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OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS 

RELATING T© 
THE WAR 

(For The Year 1917) 



MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, 
Peking, China. 



Printed by tlie "Peking Leader" Press, 



l .■.>.. Wcxi C-TV £t-Q p\J, 

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS 

RELATING TO 

THE WAR 



(For The Year 1917.) 



in 



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15. ©f 0. 
Ill 29 1913 



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LIST OF PAPERS. 

PART T. 

The Severance of Diplomatic Relations and the 
. Declaration of War. 



m 




The German Minister 
of Foreign Affairs 
to the Chinese 
Minister at Berlin. 



1917. 
Jan. 31 



The American Minis- Feb. 
ter at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 



The Minister of For 
eign Affairs to the 
German Minister 
at Peking. 



The Minister cf For 
eign Affairs to the 
American Minister 
at Peking. 

The German Ministei 
at Peking to Minis- 
ter of Foreign 
Affairs. 



Presidential Procla- 
mation. 
Presidential Mandate, 



Feb. 9. 



Feb. 9. 



Mar. 10 



Mar. 14. 
Mar. 14 



Says German Government is obliged 
to do away with restrictions upon 
naval warfare and hopes Chinese 
Government will warn Chinese 
vessels and citizens of danger in 

entering forbidden zones 

Annex. — Defines certain barred zones 
around Great Britain, France 
and Italy and in the Eastern Medi 
terranean Sea 

Note Verbale. — Announces a change 
in the barred zone around England 

Announces firm attitude of American 
Government in view of Germany's 
announcement 'of its intention to 
renew indiscriminate submarine 
warfare, and says the President 
believes that it will make for the 
peace of the world if other neutral 
Powers can find it possible to 
take action similar to that taken by 
the Government of the United 
States 

Chinese Government protests against 
measures proclaimed on Feb. 1, 
by Germany and says in case its 
protest be ineffectual China will be 
constrained to sever diplomatic 
relations with Germany 

Says Chinese Government has taken 
similar action to that taken by 
the United States by protesting 
energetically against the new Ger- 
man measures of blockade 

Says German Government is greatly 
surprised at the threat used by the 
Chinese Government in its note ol 
protest, and that it is difficult 
for Germany to abandon her 
blockade policy 

Proclaims the severance of diplomatic 
relations with Germany 

Instructs the Authorities concerned to 
formulate plans, in accordance 
with International Law, for the 
protection of German subjects, etc. 



IV 



No. 



From and to whom. 



Date. 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
German Ministei 
at Peking. 



1917. 
Mar. 14. 



Mar. 14 



14 



Subject. 



Page. 



The Minister of For 
eign Affairs to the 
Diplomatic Repre 
sentatives of the 
Allied and Neutral 
Nations at Peking 
1 The Netherlands Mi- Mar. 15. 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister ol 
Foreign Affairs. 

1 The Minister of For- Mar. 17 

eign Affairs to the 

Netherlands Minis 

ter at Peking. 
! Presidential Pro- Aug. 14 

clamation. 



J 3 Presidential Mandate Aug. 14 



Informs German Minister of the 
severance of diplomatic relation? 
between China and Germany, and 
encloses passports for the German 
Minister, and his suite and their 
families 

Informs the Allied and Neutral Gov- 
ernments of the severance ol 
diplomatic relations with Germany 



Says he has been instructed by hi 
Government to take charge of all 
German interests in China at 
the request of the German Govern- 
ment 

Acknowledges above note 



ro 



[i 



12 
12 



Declares a state of war to exist 
between China and Germany and 
between China and Austria-Hun 
gary . m 

Orders the Government departments 
concerned promptly and effectively 
to take necessary steps as sanction- 
ed by existing International Law 
and precedents, in view of the 
declaration of war against Ger- 
many and Austria-Hungary.... 



[3 



Ihe Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 
ter at Peking. 



Aug. 14 



15 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Austrian Minister 
at Peking. 



y 



Requests the Netherlands Minister 
to inform German Government of 
China's declaration of war againsl 
Germany and that China will con 
form to the provisions of Hague 
Conventions and other inter- 
national agreements respecting 
humane conduct of war 



Aug. 14 



Notifies Austrian Minister of China's 
declaration of war against Austria 
Hungary and that China will con 
form to the provisions of Hague 
Conventions and other international 
agreements respecting humane con 
duct of war, and encloses pass- 
ports for the Austrian Minister, his 
suite and their families 



K> 



<7 



No. 


From and to whom. 


Date. 


Subjects. 


Page, 


16 


The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
~ Diplomatic Repre- 
sentatives of th< 
Allied and Neutral 
Nations and the 
American Ministei 
in Peking. 

The British Changi' 
d'Affaires at Pek- 
ing to the Ministei 
of Foreign Affairs. 

The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister ol 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 
ter at Peking. 


igiy. 

Aug. 14. 

Aug. 14. 
Aug. 15. 
Aug. 20 


Notifies Diplomatic Body of China's 
declaration of war against Ger- 
many and Austria-Hungar}', and 
that China will conform to the 
provisions of Hague Conventions 
and other international agreements 
respecting humane conduct ol 
war 


18 


17 
18 


Acknowledges above note and says 
His Majesty's Government will do 
all that rests with them to ensure 
that China shall enjoy in her in- 
ternational relations the position 
and regard due to a great country. 

Acknowledges the Foreign Minister's 

note of Aug. 14 and says he is in 

receipt of instructions from his 

Government to look after all the 

interests of Austria-Hungary in 


19 
20 


19 




20 







PART II. 

The Recall of the Chinese Ministers from Germany 
and A ustria-Hungary. 



No. 


From and to whom. 


Date 


Subject. 


Page. 






1917. 






20 


The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Minister at 
Berlin (telegram). 


Vlar. 12. 


Says severance of diplomatic rela- 
tions between China and Germany 
is imminent and asks that Charge 
Tchai be instructed to consult 
Danish Foreign Minister regarding 
care of Chinese Affairs and the 
protection of residents and students 






The Ministry of For- 


Mar. 27 


in Germany and Belgium 


21 


21 


Requests him to consult his Govern- 






eign Affairs to the 




ment by telegraph in order to 






Swedish Minister 




secure instructions for Swedish 






at Peking. 




Minister in Belgium to assume 
protection of all Chinese interests 




1 








21 



VI 



No. 



From and to whom. 
i 



Date. 



Subject. 



Page. 



22 



*3 



-M 



26 



2Q 



30 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Minister at 
Berlin, c/o Chinese 
Legation in Den- 
mark (telegram). 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Minister 
at Brussels (tele- 
gram.) 

The Swedish Minis- 
ter at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Chinese Minister 
at Berlin to the 
Minister of Foreign 
Affairs (telegram 
transmitted via 
Copenhagen). 

The Minister of For 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Change at 
Copenhagen (tele- 
gram). 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Minister at 



Berlin 



telegram) 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to 
the Chinese Minis- 
ter at Berlin (tele- 
gram). 



"Ihe Chinese Minister 
at Berlin to the 
Minister of Foreign 
Affairs (telegram.) 

The Minister of For 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Minister at 
Vienna (telegram.) 



1917. 
Mar. 28 



Mar. 31 



Mar. si 



Apr. 4. 



Apr. i- 



Apr. 19. 



May 



May 4. 



Aug. 



Instructs him to ask Sweden to assume 
protection of Chinese interests in 
Belgium 



Says Swedish Government has com- 
plied with the request of Chinese 
Government to assume protection 
of Chinese interests in Belgium . 

Says Swedish Government is pleased 
to meet Chinese Government's 
desire as to representation of Chi- 
nese interests in Belgium. 

Reports that 2 members of Legation 
in Belgium with 43 Chinese resi- 
dents left on the 2nd for Switzer- 
land and that he aird his suite will 
depart on the 12th 



Instructs him to thank the Danish 
Foreign Minister for consenting to 
protect Chinese intertests in Ger- 
many and to request the Danish 
Foreign Minister to instruct the 
Danish Minister to Germany to 
protest strongly to the German 
Government against its holding 
Minister Yen as a hostage. . . .... 

Informs him that protests have been 
lodged with German Government 
against holding him as hostage and 
instructs him to demand his pass- 
ports and proceed to Denmark. . . . 

Asks him the date of his arrival in 
Denmark and of the departure of 
Chinese .students from Germany, 
and instructs him to telegraph a 
summary report of the treatment 
which he and they have received 
from the German Government. . . . 

Says students remain temporarily in 
German}' and treatment after 
severance of diplomatic relations 
same as before 

Says he mry soon be recalled and 
instructs him to make preparations 
for the departure of Chinese stu 
dents in Austria-Hungary -. 



2 3 



23 



25 



25 



The Minister of For 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Minister at 
Copenhagen (tele- 
gram). 

The Chinese Minister 
at Vienna to the 
Minister of Foreign 
Affairs (telegram). 



The Chinese Minister 
at Copenhagen to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs 
(telegram). 

The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking 
to the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 



1917. 
Aug. 7. 



The Minister of For 
eign Affairs to the 
Russian Minister 
at Peking in charge 
of the interests oi 
the Danish Lega 
tion. 

The Chinese Minister 
at Copenhagen to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Minister 
at Copenhagen 
(telegram.) 



Aug. 8. 



Aug. ic. 



Aug. 16, 



Aue 



17 



Aug. 21 



Aug. 22 



Instructs him informally to consult the 
Danish Government as to taking 
care of Chinese interests in Austria, 
and in case of non-compliance on 
its part then to consult the 
Swedish Government 

Requests that the Danish Minister be 
informed of the treatment and 
escort accorded to the Austrian 
Minister on his departure in order 
that the information may be trans- 
mitted to the Austrian Govern- 
ment 

Says Danish Foreign Minister has per- 
sonally promised to comply with 



26 



our request. (See No. 31) 



26 



26 



Says German Government appreciates 
the kind treatment which Chinese 
Government has accorded German 
subjects in China and trusts that 
the Chinese Government will find 
means to secure safe conducts for 
those Germans who wish to leave 
China ; in return for such treat- 
ment, German Government will 
likewise give every facility to those 
Chinese students who wish to 
leave German territory, etc 

Requests him to convey the deep 
appreciation of the Chinese Gov- 
vernment to the Royal Govern- 
ment of Denmark for its con- 
sent to protect Chinese interests 
in Austria-Hungary 



Reports that the Danish Foreign Mi- 
nister has consented that Chinese 
interests in Austria-Hungary and 
Turkey may be protected by 
Danish Ministers to those countries. 

Instructs him to request the Danish 
Government to instruct its Minister 
at Vienna to request Austrian Go- 
vernment to ask German Govern- 
ment to grant passage to Minister 
Shen to enable him to return home 
via Gern-iany : 



27 



28 



29 



vni 



No. 



From and to whom. Date. 



Subject. 



Page. 



39 



40 



4i 



42 



The Chinese Minis- 
ter at Rome to the 
Minister of Foreign 
Affairs (telegram) 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Minister at 
Copenhagen (tele 
gram). 



The Nertherlands 
Minister at Peking 
to the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Chinese Minis- 
ter at Copenhagen 
to the Minister 
of Foreign Affairs 
(telegram.) 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 
ter at Peking. 



43 



44 



45 



46 



1917. 
Aug. 26. 



Aug. 31, 



Sept. 10 



Sept. iii 



Sept. 12 



Reports that Swiss Legation said 
that a telegraphic reply from 
Vienna stated that Chinese Minis- 
ter may take departure upon Aus- 
trian Government receiving de- 
finite reply from its Minister at 
Peking 

Informs him that M. Rosthorn and 
suite will leave Shanghai on Sept. 
15 by Dutch Steamer and safe- 
conducts have been obtained for 
them, and instructs him to request 
Danish Government to protest 
strongly to the Austrian Govern 
merit against its holding Minis 



29 



ter Shen as a hostage. 



The Minister of- For- Sept. i^ 

eign Affairs to the 

Chinese Minister at 

Copenhagen (tele 

gram) . 
The Netherlands Mi- Sept. 14 

nister at Peking to 

the Minister of 

Foreign Affairs. 
The Danish Minister Sept. 16 

at Peking to the 

Minister of Foreign 

Affairs. 

The Chinese Minister Sept. 30 
to Austria-Hung 
ary to the Ministe 
of Foreign Affairs 
(telegram). 



Says the Chinese Minister at Vienna 
has declared that all reports that 
he was detained, were not authoriz- 
ed by him and were untrue 

Says that according to Minister Shen's 
statement he was not detained as a 
hostage; the German Government 
has already promised to issue safe 
conduct 

Inquires as to the reason why the de 
parture of Minister Shen has not 
been effected, and requests him 
urgently to telegraph to the Aus- 
trian Government to permit Minis- 
ter Shen to leave Austria imme- 
diately 

structs him to urge Minister Shen 
to leave Austria immediately 



30 



3i 



Says Minister Shen's safe-conduct 
has already been granted by Ger 
man Government at the request of 
Austrian Government 

Transmits Danish Foreign Minister's 
telegram to Danish Legation at 
Peking relative to Minister Shen's 
denial that he has been detained at 
Vienna 

Reports his arrival at Copenhagen. 



33 



34 
35 











IX 


No. 


From andto whom.. 


Date. 


Subject. 


Page. 






: 1917 






47 


The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Min- 
ister at Peking. 


Oct. 4. 


Says according to communications 
from Chinese Minister at Copen- 
hagen and Swedish Foreign Office, 
German Government has given no 
permission to Chinese students % to 
leave Germany or Belgium, and 
requests that German Government 
be urged to issue, safe-conducts to 


35 


48 


The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 


Oct. 6. 


Says he has already telegraphed Ger- 
man Government inquiring whether 
' the latter will permit Chinese 
students *to leave territories of 






The Minister of For- 


Oct 24. 


Germany and Belgium 


^6 


4Q 


Renews request that German Govern- 


j u 




eign Affairs to the 




ment be urged by telegraph to 






Netherlands Min- 




permit Chinese students to leave| 




ister at Peking 




Germany and Belgium forthwith... 


1:37 









PART III. 

The Departure of Hie German and Austrian Diplomatic Officials. 



No. 


From and to whom. 


Date. 


Subject. 


Page. 






1917. 






5o 


The Ministry of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Commissioners of 


Mar. 13. 


Instructs them to issue passports to 
German Consuls and their staffs and 
families as soon as diplomatic rela- 






Foreign Affairs for 


- 


tions with Germany are broken 






various Provinces 




off 


39 




(telegram ) 








5i 


The Nerthhnds Min- 
ister at Peking to 
the'Minister of For- 
eign Affairs. 


Mar. 16. 


Requests that time limit for German 
Consuls to leave the country be 
extended and that the German 
Comular Clerk at Tsinanfu be 
allowed to remain to look after 






- 




Consulate archives 


40 


52 


The Ministry of For- 
eign Affairs to the 


Mar. 16. 


Instructs them to extend time limit 
for German Consuls to leave coun- 






Commissioners of 




try according to circumstances 


40 




Foreign Affairs Tor 










various Provinces 










(telegram.) 








53 


The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 


Mar. iR. 


Requests that instructions be given 
to officials in charge of foreign 






the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 




affairs to facilitate the return home 
of German Consuls, etc., and to re- 
frain from pressing them to pass 












4* 



No. 



54 



From and to whom. 



Date. 



55 



1917. 
Mar. 18 



Subject. 



56 



Mar. 19 



57 



The Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs to 
the Commission 
ers of Foreigni 
Affairs for various 
Provinces (tele- 
gram.) 
The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Ministers 
at Washington, 
Tokvo, London 
and" Paris (tele 
gram.) 
The Ministry of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Commissioners of 
Foreign Affairs for 
various Provinces 
(excepting Three 
Eastern Provinces 
and Yunnan tele-l 
gram ) 
The Minister of M 
Foreign Affairs to 
the Acting Min- 
ister of Interior. 



Page. 



Notes the necessity of attaching 
photographs of German Consuls, 
etc , to their safe-conducts 



4i 



Instructs them relative to securing 
sauf conduits and privilege of pas- 
sage for the German Minister and 
consular officials 



Mar. 22 



Instructs them as to procuring safe- 
conducts for German Consuls. 
Says German Minister has decided 
to leave for America from Woo- 
sung on Mar. 22 



58 



59 



The Minister of For- Mar. 
eign Affairs to 
the Commissioner 
of Foreign Affairs 
at Shanghai. 

The Minister of For- Mar. 23 
eign Affairs to the 
Commissioner of 
Foreign Affairs at 



60 



61 



?hai 



(tele- 



Requests him to provide protection 
and to render all necessary services 
to the departing German Minister 
and his staff from Peking to 
Shanghai to embark for Germany.. 

Says German Minister will leave 
Peking on Mar. 24 and will board 
Dutch steamer at Shanghai for 
United States, ^sks that a special 
steam -boat be reserved for convey 
ing German Minister to Woosung. 

Says German Minister will leave 

1 Peking on the 25th and reach 
Woosung on the morning of 27th 



43 



Shan 5 
gram.) 
The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Min- 
ister at Peking. 

The Ministry of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Commissioner of 
Foreign Affairs at 
Shanghai (tele- 
gram.) 



44 



45 



Mar 24 Treats of the proposition that certain 
subordinate officials of German 
Consulates be retained to keep the 
archives ■ 45 



Mar. 24 



Treats of procuring safe-conducts 
from British Consul-General for 
German Consuls . . • . 



46 



No. 


Frpm and to whom. 


Date. 


Subject. 


Page. 






1917. 






62 


The Ministry of For- 
eign Affairs to the 


Mar. 25. 


Treats of procuring safe-conducts for 
German Consuls from Consuls of 






Commissioners of 




Allied Countries in China 


47 




Foreign Affairs for 










various Provin- 










ce's, excepting the 










Three Eastern Pro- 










vinces and Yun- 










nan (telegram.) 








63 


The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 
ter at Peking. 


Mar. 28, 


Says instructions have been sent on 
many occasions to Commissioners 
of Foreign Affairs to give assist- 
ance to departing German Consuls 
and denies that the latter have 
been pressed to pass through 






The American Minis- 


Mar. 29. 


hostile territories 


47 


64 


Says all German consular officers in 






ter at Peking to 




China desiring^o proceed to Ger- 






the Minister of 




many via the United States should 






Foreign Affairs. 




assemble at Shanghai and take 
passage in one vessel 


48 
48 


65 


The Ministry of For- 
eign Affairs to the 


Mar .30. 


Refers to the above note 








Commissioners of 


. 








Foreign Affairs, 










excepting those for 










Yunnan, the Three 










Eastern . Provin- 










ces, Szechuan and 










Shantung (tele- 




. 






gram.) 




■ 




66 


The Commissioner of 
Foreign Affairs at 
Shanghai to the 


Mar. 30. 


Reports the safe departure of the 
German Minister and incloses a 








statement testifying to the same... 


49 




Minister of Foreign 










Affairs. 








67 


The Nethlands Min- 
ister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs, 


Apr^6. 


Requests that the wording of safe- 
conduct issued by Chinese Ministry 
of Foreign Affairs to the German 








Minister von Hintze be so amended 










as to cover ports of Sweden, Nor- 










way and Denmark .... 


5o 








68 The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
American Minister 
at Peking. 



69 



70 



71 



72 



73 



74 



75 



The American Minis 
ter at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Commissioner of 
Foreign Affairs at 
Shanghai to the 
Minister of Foreign 
Affairs. 

The Netherlands Mi' 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 



1917. 
Apr. 6. 



Apr. 7. 



Apr. 9. 



Apr. 1; 



Requests that American Consul at 
Canton be instructed to issue safe- 
conducts to German Consuls at 
Canton and Pakhoi for their voy- 
age to Shanghai and that the Am- 
erican Consul-General at Shanghai 
be instructed to issue safe-conducts 
to said German consuls for their 
journey from Shanghai to Eu.rope 
via the United States 

Acknowledges above note. Complies 
with the first request but not with 
the second 



I he Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Minister at 
Berlin (telegram.) 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Ministers 
at London and 
Paris (telegram.) 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
British Change and 
French Minister at 
Peking. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Chinese Minister at 
Washington (tele- 
gram.) 



Apr. i; 



Apr. 13 



Apr. 14. 



Apr. 14. 



2rman 
Shanghai 



50 



51 



Reports the departure of G 
Consular officials from 
and incloses a statement of their 
appreciation of the courtesy shown 
them and a list of the said party. . 

Requests that the time limit specified 
in the safe-conduct for Admiral von 
Hintze, etc. be concelled. Says 
German Government on learning of 
the effective cancellation of this 
time limit, would immediately 
issue passports to Chinese Minister 
at Berlin. ..,..- 

Informs him that request has already 
been made to Allied Governments 
for cancellation of time limit in 
German Minister's safe-conducts 
and that strong protest has been 
lodged with German Government 
against its conduct in detaining the 
Chinese Minister as a hostage 

Instructs them to request the' British 
and French Foreign Offices to 
cancel time limit fixed in German 
Minister's safe-conducts 



Requests the cancellation of time 
limit in German Minister's safe- 
conducts 



Instructs him to request American 
Government to issue to German 
Minister, etc., new safe-conducts 
without time limit for travelling 
via Sweden, Norwav or Denmark 



51 



54 



55 



55 



56 



58 



xu\ 



No. 



From and to whom. 




Subject. 



Page. 



76 



77 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Swedish Minister 
at Peking. . 

The French Minister 
at Peking to the 
Minister of Foreign 
Affairs. 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs-to the 
Nethlands Minister 
at Peking. 



1917. 
Apr. 16. 



Apr. 16. 



Requests that German 
party be allowed 
Sweden 



Apr. 18 



79 



80 



Minister and 
to land in 



59 



Says he has requested his Government 
' by telegraph to instruct its Ambas- 
sador at Washington to issue to 
German Minister a safe-conduct to 
supplement and modify the one 
first issued 59 

Says- the Ministry has already 
requested the Allied Governments 
concerned to cancel the time limit 
in German Minister's safe-con- 
ducts. Protests against Germany's 
detaining Minister Yen as host- 



The Minister of For 
eign Aflairs to the 
British Charge at 
Peking 

The Swedish Minister 
at Peking to the 
Minister of Foreign 
Affairs. 



Apr. 18. 



age 



60 



Apr. 



21. 



Mav 12 



82 



83 



May 14. 



84 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Min- 
ister at Peking. 
The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 
The Minister of For-|May 16 
eign Affairs to the 
Commissioner of 
Foreign Affairs at 
Shanghai ( tele- 
gram.) 
The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 
ter at Peking. 
The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Commissioner of 
Foreign Affairs at 
Shanghai. 



Requests that he be good enough to 
request Norwegian Government by 
telegraph to allow former German 
Minister, etc., to return home via 

Norway 

Says Swedish Government is pleased 
to give all aid and protection to 
Admiral von Hintze, etc., when 
passing through Swedish territory 

on their way to Germany 

Transmits Minister Koo's telegram 
reporting former German Minister's 
departure from United States for 

Rotterdam 

Requests him to obtain safe-conducts, 
without time limits, for German 
consular officers and postal em- 
ployees . . - 

instructs him to notify German 
consular and postal officials that 
American Government will grant 
them passage provided they return 
in one party 



61 



62 



62 



63 



May 23 



May 23 



Treats of securing safe-conducts for 
German consular and postal officers 
to return home 



Same as above . 



63 



64 
o-s 



XIV 



No. 



From and to whom. 



Date. 



Subject. 



1917. 
May 2; 



July ig 



86 The Ministry of For 
eign Affairs to the 
Netli rlands Min 
ister at Peking. 

^7 The Commissioner of 
Foreign Affairs at 
Shanghai to the 
Minister of For- 
eign Affairs. 



Wai Chiao Pu to the Aug. 14 

Austrian Minister 

etc. 
The Minister of For- Aug. 21 

eign Affairs to the 

Netherlands Minis 

ter at Peking. 



Page. 



90 



9i 



The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 



Aug. 25. 



Transmits Minister Koo's telegram 
reporting the departure of" the 
second party of German consular 
officials from New York for Bergen 

Reports the departure of German 
Consular officers (except two who 
were prevented bv illness) from 
Shanghai. Incloses a list of de- 
parting German Consular Officials 
etc., and also a copy of statement 

ot safe departure.. 

A passport , 



65 



66 
69 



92 



93 



94 



95 



Aus 



The Minister of For- Aug. 28 
eign Affairs to the 
French, American 
and Japanese Mi- 
nisters and British 
Charge at Peking. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Portugese. Ru 
sian, Italian and 
Belgian Ministers 
at Peking. 

The French Minister 
at Peking to the 
Minister of For- 
eign Affairs. 

The Italian Minister 
at Peking to the 
Minister of Foreign 
Affairs. 

The Russian Lega- 
tion at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 



Requests that the former Austrian 
Minister be advised to leave China 
at his earliest convenience and that 
the Ministry be informed of the 
date of his departure and the 
name of his boat L 

Says Austrian Minister intends" to 
return home by Dutch steamer 
Orange leaving Shanghai for San 
l;rancisco on Sept. 15, Incloses a 
list of the Austrfan Consular offi- 
cials at Tientsin 

Relates to securing safe-conducts" for ' 
former Austrian Minister, etc.. 



Same as above 



70 

7i 



72 



Aug. 29 



Aug. 



Aug. 



Relates to the issue of safe-conduct* 
to former Austrian Minister and his 
suite and former Austrian consuls . 

Relates to issuing safe -conducts to 
forme: Austrian Minister, etc,. 



73 



Requests a list of persons intending to 
accompany former Austrian Min 
ister on his way home, etc 



74 



74 



XV 




96 



97 



98 



99 



ioo 



101 



102 



10?. 



104 



105 



Sept. 2. 



Sept. 4 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Russian Minister 
at Peking. 

The Japanese Mi- 
ister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
American, French, 
Russian and Japan- 
ese Minister, and 
the British Charge 
at Peking. 

The American Minis- 
ter at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs, 
do 

The French Minister 
at Peking to the 
Minister of Foreign 
Affairs. 

The Japanese Minis- 
ter at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands ^Mini- 
ster at Peking 

The Britisli Charge 
at Peking to the 
Minister of Foreign 
Affairs. 

The Netherlands Mi 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of For 
eign Affairs. 



1917. 
Sept. : 



Sept. 



Sept. 7 



Sept. 



106 



107 



.do 



The Minister of For 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Mini- 
ster at Peking. 



Acknowledges above note. Incloses 
a list of personnel of former Aus- 
trian Minister's party 



75 



Relates to issuing safe-conducts to 
former Austrian Minister and Con- 
suls, etc 

Relates to securing safe-conducts for 
former Austrian Minister and Con 
suls, etc. Incloses photographs 
and list. . . . 



Relates to issuing safe-conducts to 
former Austrian Minister and 
Consuls, etc 



75 



76 



Incloses safe conducts for 
Austrian Minister, etc. . . . 
7. Same as above 



former 



Sept. 8. 



Sept. 8 



Sept, 9 



Sept. 11. 



Sept. 12. 



do 



77 



77 
78 



79 



Sept. 14 



Requests him to inform the Ministry 
of the exact date on which former 
Austrian Minister will leave Peking. 

Incloses safe-conduct for former 
Austrian Minister, etc., with the 
condition that British Government 
reserves the right to search their 
luggage 

Says Dutch steamer Oranje will 
arrive at Woosung on Sept. 16 and 
that former Austrian Minister 
wishes to arrive at Woosung just in 
time for steamer to sail. . 

Says Dutch steEmer Oranje will be 
two days late and will arrive at 
Woosung on the 18th inst 

Relates to procuring safe-conducts 
for former Austrian Minister, etc 
Incloses 11 safe-conducts.. ..... 



80 



81 

81 
82 
82 



• 



xvi 




ioS 



109 



no 



ur 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 
ter at Peking. 

do 



The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Commissioner of 
of Foreign Affairs 
for Kiangsu to the 
Minister of Foreign 
"ffairs. 



1917. 
Sept. 14 



Sept. 15 



Sept. 15 



Sept. 20 



Relates to Special train for former 
Austrian Minister from Peking to 
Shanghai 



Requests that all Austrian Contulir 
officers be ordered to leave China. 

Acknowledges receipt of 11 safe- 
conducts for former Austrian Mini- 
ster, etc., and notes the condition 
reserving the right to search 
luggage, etc., 

Reports on the departure of former 
Austrian Minister, etc., from Shang- 
hai. Incloses 3 certificates of safe 



departure and 2 lists giving 
names of members of parties. 



the 



84 



84 



85 



86 



PART IV. 



Rules and Regulations relating to the War. 




112 



ii- 



114 



116 
117 
118 
119 



The Ministry of Com- 
munications to the 
Director-General of 
trie Postal Service. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Min-. 
ister at Peking. 

A Public Proclama- 
tion of the Min- 
istry, of Com- 
munications. 

A Presidential Man- 
date. 

Instructional Man- 
date No. XX. 

A Presidential Man- 
date. 

Instructional Man- 
date No. XXI. 

Ministry of the Navy 
Order No. T26. 



1917. 
Mar. 22 



Apr. 10. 
Aug. 14. 

Oct. 30 

do 

do 

do 
Dec. 12 



Rules of procedure respecting delivery! 



of German mail bags 



Informs him of suspension of practice 
of exchanging mail matter in China 
between Chinese Post Office and 
German Postal Agency 



9i 



Regulations governing the censor of 
mail matter ; . , 



Promulgates the rules and regulations 

governing the Prize Court 

Prize Court Rules 



the regulations govern- 



P101nulgaf.es 

ing captures at sea 
Regulations Governing Captures i 

Sea 

Regulations governing safe-keeping of 

captured property in the Navall 

Warehouse 10S 



92 
92 



93 
94 



99 



100 



XV11 




120 

121 



IQI7. 

A Presidential Man- Dec. I' 

date. 
Instructional Man-I do 

date No. XXVTI. I 



Subject. Page, 



Promulgates the penal laws governing 
prisoners of war ■ 109 

Penal Laws Governing Prisoners of 
War 109 



PART V. 

Concerning the Treatment of Enemy Persons and Enemy Property. 



No. 



From and to whom 



Date. 



Subject. 



Page. 



122 



123 



124 



125 



The Ministry of In- 
terior and Ministry 
of War to the 
Military and Civil 
Governors of the 
Provinces, etc., 
(telegram). 
do 



1917. 
Mar. 15, 



Regulations respecting the protection 
of German residents in China . 



do 



The Minister of War Mar, 16. 
to the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 



126 



127 



128 



The Special Commis- 
sioner of Foreign 
Affairs for Chihli 
to the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs (te- 
legram)'. 

The' Military Gover- 
nor of Hupeh to 
the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs (te- 
legram). 

The Ministry of the 
Interior to the Mi 
nistry of 
Affairs. 

The Special Commis- 
sioner of Foreign 
Affairs for. Hupeh 
to the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 



do 



Regulations for the protection of 
German merchants and missionaries 
in China 

Transmits regulations governing pro 
visional inspection, and the dis 
position of German public and 
private properties convertible to 
military uses 

Reports on the taking over of Ger 
man Concession in Tientsin.. ..... 



in 



112 



114 
116 



Mar. 18. 



Foreign 



Reports on the taking over of Ger- 
man Concession in Hankow 



117 



Mar. 20. 'incloses copy of Rules of Procedure 
for tl e Disposition of German pro- 
perty in China 11S 



do 



Reports on the taking over of Ger 
man Concession at Hankow. In 
closes a copy of declaration of the 
Commissioner of Foreign Affairs. 



120 



XVlll 




129 



130 



132 



133 



134 



L J3 



I36 



137 



133 



1917. 

The Customs BureaujMar. 22 
to the Office of the 
Cabinet. 



The Acting Minister 
of the Interior to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Acting Military 
Governor and the 
Civil Governor of 
Kwangtung to the 
Chief of Staff, the 
Minister of the 
Navy and the Min- 
ister of Foreign 
Affairs 

The Minister of the 
Intei ior to the 
Minister of Foreign 
Affairs. 

The Minister of War 
to the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 
at Peking. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Civil Governor of 
Shansi. 

The Netherlands 

Minister at Peking 
to the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs, the 
Minister of the In- 
terior and the 
Minister of War to 
the Governor of 
Kwang-tung. 

The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 



do 



Mar. 27, 



Mar. 28. 

Mar. 29. 
Mar. 31. 

Apr. 4. 

Apr. 7. 

Apr. 11. 



Apr. 11 



Transmits telegram from Commis- 
sioner of Foreign Affairs at Amoy 
relating to the taking over of Ger- 
man merchant vessels 

Incloses copy of telegram relating to re- 
gulations concerning the issue of pas- 
sports to German merchants and mis- 
sionaries for moving and travelling. 

Report on the disposition of the 
effects on board German vessel 
Tsins; J ao 



123 



I2.T 



Forwards copy of rules of procedurei 
for the assumption of control off 
German Concessions. I2 ^ 



Incloses copy of Regulations Govern- 
ing the Conveyance of German 
soldiers to Internment Camp 

Forwards copy of Provisional Re- 
gulations Governing the Trial of 
Germans in Criminal Cases 



Requests that local authorities be 
instructed to g 
ary protection. 



instructed to give Germans necess 



Requests to be authorized to inform 
German Government that during 
the war, China will leave un- 
molested all German properties. . . 

Answers questions relating to issuing 
passports to Germans travelling in 
China for business or for religious 
work 



Protests against Provisional Regula- 
tions governing trial of Germans 
in criminal cases 



127 



12S 



130 



131 



132 



I3c 



XIX 




139 



140 



i4i 



igiy 
The Commissioner of | Apr. 11 
Foreign Affairs at 
Shanghai to the 
Minister of For- 
eign Affairs, 
The Minister of For- Apr. 12. 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 



142 



143 



ter at Peking. 
do.... 



Apr. 13. 



144 



145 



The Military andjApr. 26. 
Civil Governors of 
Kwang-tung to the 
Office of the Ca- 
binet, Ministry of 
War, Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs and 
Ministry of In- 
terior (Telegram.) 

The Minister of For- Apr. 25 
eign Affairs, the 
Minister of Interio 
and the Minister of 
War to the Military 
and civil Governors 
of Kwangtung (tele- 
gram). 

The Minister of For- Apr. 30 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Mini- 
ster at Peking. 

The Netherlands Mi- do 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 



Reports on the internment of Ger- 
man merchant vessels at Shanghai. 134 



1 



Refers to issuing passes to Germans 
to travel in the interior 



Says China will treat German resi- 
dents and their property in China 
strictly according to International 
Law. Protests against German 
treatment of Chinese residents in 
Germany as-virtual hostages 

Says the Netherlands Consul has re 
.quested cancellation of regulations 
or treatment of German subjects 
at Canton. Inquires whether Ger- 
man missionaries may be permit- 
ted to retain pistols for self-pro- 
tection 



135 



136 



137 



Acknowledges above report, saying it 
is difficult to comply with the 
request of Netherlands Consul at 
Canton, but there is no objection 
to permitting German missionaries 
to retain pistols for self-protection. 



Refers to the Provisional Regulations 
governing trial of Germans in 
criminal cases 



146 



do 



May 12, 



138 



139 



Says many articles of the Regulations 
concerning "the protection of Ger 
mans leaving the country" and 
"protection of German merchants 
and missionaries residing in China" 
are inconsistent with treaty provi- 
sions 

Says German Government desires the 
Chinese Foreign Minister to make 
a special statement that Chinese 
Government has no intention of 
expelling German subjects in China 
or cf interning them 



140 



141 



XX 




147 



148 
149 



i5» 



i5i 



153 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Mini 
ster at Peking. 



do 

The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 



1917. 
May 19. 



May 
May 



'5- 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Mini 
ster at Peking, 
do 



The Minister of For- July 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Min- 
ister at Peking. 



June 9 



June 26 



15: 



154 



The Commissioner of. 
Foreign Affairs of 
Chihli to the Pre- 
mier and the Min- 
ister of Foreign 
Affairs (telegram). 

The Minister of- In- 
terior- to the' Pre- 
sident. 



Aug. 14. 



Acknowledges above note. Says all 
that the Chinese Government is 
doing is in strict conformity with 
International Law, and beyond this 
there is no need for further state- 
ment. Protests strongly against 
detention of Chinese students in 

Germany 

Refers to the Regulations governing 
German subjects residing in China. 
Acknowledges above . note. Insists 
that it is a violation of Interna- 
tional Law to enact special regula- 
tions with respect to alien residents 
subjects of a country with which 

no state of war exists 

Treats of issuance of passports to 
German subjects who desire to| 
spend summer at Ruling and 

Mokanshan 

Refers to Regulations governing Ger- 
man subjects residing in China. . . . 
Treats of securing safe-conducts from 
various foreign Ministers at Peking 
for German civil officials, etc., 
wives and children of German 
military officers in Tsingtao, and 
German subjects employed in Chin 
ese Postal Service. Protests against 
detaining Chinese students in Gei 



142 



143 



144 



146 



147 



many and Belgium. 



155 



Reports on the taking over 
Austrian Concession at Tientsin. 



of 



do 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Min- 
ister at Peking. 



Aug. 14. 



148 



149 



Petition praying for the Establish- 
ment. of Bureaux for the Municipal 
Administration of Special Areas at 
Tientsin and Hankow, requesting 
permission to appoint chiefs of 
Bureaux and submitting Regula- 
tions 150 

Says Chinese Government has enacted 
Provisional Regulations governing 
the trial of enemy subjects in civil 
and criminal cases, and incloses a 
copy of the same 152 



1 




Subject. 



xxi 



Page. 



156 



157 



158 



159 



160 



The Ministry of the 
Navy to the Minis 
try of Foreign Af- 
fairs. 

The Ministry of War 
to the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs. 



The Minister of the 
Interior to the 
Minister of For- 
eign Affairs. 



The Netherlands 
Minister at Peking 
to the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs, 
do 



1917. 
Aug. 15 



Aug. 17, 



Aug. 17. 



Aug. 18, 



Aus:. 18. 



Refers to internment of Austrian 
ships at Shanghai. Incloses two 
telegrams from Commander Ling at 
Shanghai 

Transmits copies of orders and re- 
gulations issued to various Pro 
vincial Authorities and the army 
' (1) announcing the existence of a 
state of war with Germany and 
Austria-Hungaryand enjoining the 
observance of the Law of Nations, 
(2) concerning protection to be 
accorded to enemy subjects who 
choose to leave the country, (3 
governing Provisional Inspection of 
enemy subjects, (4) governing 
the internment camps for Prison- 
ers of War, ( 5 ) governing 
disarming of Austrc 
subjects in actual military service, 
(6) governing disposition of wea- 
pons and military instruments of 
enemy ownership, (7) regarding 

. disposition of barracks of enemy 
countries in China 

Transmits copies of rules and regula- 
tions relating to (1) the Disposition 
of Enemy Subjects, (2) Detailed 
Instructions for the Enforcement 
of the Rules and Regulations 
Governing the Disposition of En- 
emy Subjects, (3) Matters to be 
attended to when granting per- 
mission to enemy subjects to carry 
on business, in pursuance of the 
Rules, etc., Governing the disposi- 
tion of enemy subjects, and (4) 
Directions for Maintaining Vigilent 
Watch over Enemy Subjects 



154 



Protests against Provisional Regula- 
tions governing trial of enemy sub- 
jects in civil and criminal cases, as 
promulgated on Aug. 14 

Protests against the taking possession 
of the main and branch offices ol 
Deutsch-Asiatische Bank by author- 
ities of various localities. 



155 



162 



107 



169 



xxu 




162 



163 



164 



165 



166 



167 



168 



169 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Special Commis- 
sioners of Foreign 
Affairs at Mukden, 
H e i 1 u 11 g k i a n g. 
Tientsin, Kashgar, 
Kirin, Shanghai, 
Hankow, Hi and 
Hsin-chiang. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to all 
the Foreign Minis- 
ters at Peking. 



1917. 
Aug. 19 



Aug. 20 



Aug. 22 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 

Ministers of the 

Allied and Neutral 

Countries at Pek 

ing. 
The Minister of For- Aug. 22. 

eign Affairs to the 

Netherlands Minis 

ter at Peking. 
The French Minister Aug. 

at Peking to the 

Minister of Foreign 

Affairs. 
The Ministry of the Aug. 25 

Interior to the 

Ministrv of Foreign 

Affairs. 
The American Mini- Aug. 27 

ster at Peking to 

the Minister of For- 
eign Affairs. 
The Minister of For- Aug. 28 

eign Affairs to the 

Netherlands Min- 
ster at Peking. 
The Netherlands Mr- Sept. 4. 

nister at Peking to 

the Minister of 

Foreign Affairs. 



Instructs them to consult Military 
and Civil Governors in order to 
safe-guard Chinese interests against 
enemy influence in China. Inclose; 
a copy of Russian Minister's com- 
munication relative to plots of 
enemy agents in China 



Says that all contracts for chartering 
or purchasing the enemy ships 
seized in China will be null and 
void unless such contracts have 
the previous approval of the Cen 
tral Government , 

Says tliis Government has promul 
gated Provisional Regulations 
governing trial of enemy subjects 
in civil and criminal cases. Trans 
mits a copy of the same 



170 



Refers to , Provisional Regulations 
governing trial of enemy subjects 
in civil and criminal cases. 



Refers to contracts for chartering or 
purchasing enemy merchantships 
in China, which have been seized 
by Chinese authorities 

Refers to taking precautionary mea- 
sures against enemy agents in 
China. 



Inquires of conditions upon which 
foreign merchants may make tender 
for chartering German and Austrian 
steamers seized in China 

Treats of the taking over of the 
main and branch offices of the 
Deutsch-Asiatische Bank by various 
local authorities 

Protests in advance, on behalf of 
Austro - Hungarian Government, 
against any actions inconsistent 
with principles of international 
law, which Chinese Government 
may take to the injury of Austro- 
Hungarian subjects and properties. 



r7o 



171 



i/3 



174 



174 



175 



176 



xxm 



No. From and to v horn. 



Date. 



Subject. 



Page. 



170 



171 



172 



173 



174 



175 



176 



177 



178 



179 



The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The British Charge at 
Peking to the Mi- 
nister of Foreign 
Affairs. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Mini- 
ster at Peking. 

The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Netherlands Mi 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 
ter at Peking. 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 
ter at Peking. 

The Netherlands 
Minister at Peking 
to the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

The Minister of For 
eign Affairs to the 
British Charge at 
Peking. 



The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 
ter at Peking. 



1917. 
Sept. 5. 



Sept. 6. 



Sept. 8. 



Sept. 10 



Sept. 10 



Sept. 12 



Treats of Provisional Regulations 
governing trial of enemy subjects 
in civil and criminal cases 



Sept. 15 
Sept. 17 
Sept. 20 



Refers to application of Provisional 
Regulations governing tria' of 
enemy subjects in civil and criminal 
cases when British subjects are 
parties plaintiff 

Says German barracks at Pei-Tai-Ho, 
and German and Austrian barracks 
at Tang-Ku will be taken over by 
Chinese authorities on Sept. 12. ... 

Acknowledges above note and says 
soldiers of Holland have been 
instructed to deliver the said 
barracks to Chinese police 

Treats of seizure of main and branch 
offices of Deutsch-Asiatische Bank 



Says all acts of Chinese Government 
during "present war are in accord 
with principles of International 
Law, and Chinese Government 
cannot assume any responsibility 
whatsover for the losses Austrian 
subjects may suffer oh account of 
the state of war " 

Treats of Provisional Regulations 
governing trial of enemy subj-ects 
in civil and criminal cases. 



176 



178 

178 

179 
179 



Sept. 20, 



Treats of seizure of German and Aus- 
trian merchantships in China by 
the authorities, and requests that 
the same be repudiated 

Discusses Provisional Regulations 
governing trial of enemy subjects 
in civil and criminal cases with 
special reference to suits in which 
British subjects are parties plain- 
tiff : 

Refers to Chinese Regulations Govern- 
ing Lawyers. Says enemy subjects 
may be permitted to' practice in 
special law courts, but not in the 
regular law courts. 



180 



181 



183 



184 



185 



XXIV 




i8o 



181 



183 



184 



185 



186 



187 



188 



189 



The Netherland 

Minister at Peking 
to the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs 

The Minister of For- 
eigd Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 
ter at Peking. 

The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Affairs. 



Foreign 



do 



do 



The Minister cf For- 
eign Affairs to the 
Netherlands Minis- 
ter at Peking. 



The British Mmister 
at Peking to the 
Minister of Foreign 
Affairs. 

The Minister of For- 
eign Affairs to the 
British Minister at 
Peking. 

The Minister of For 
eign Affairs to 
the Netherlands 
Minister at Peking. 

The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 



1917. 
Sept. 24, 



Sept. 25. 



Oct. 3. 



Oct. 6. 



Oct. 9. 



Acknowledges above letter with 
thanks 



Refers to the sequestration of Deu- 
tsch-Asintische Bank 



Oct. 24. 



Oct. 25, 



Oct. 26 



Oct. 27 



Nov. 2. 



Protests against non-payment on the 
part of Chinese Government of in- 
terest to Deutsch-Asiatische Bank 
in accordance with various loan 
agreements made with said bank. . 

Treats of Provisional Regulations 
governing trial of enemy subjects 
in civil and criminalcases 

Calls Foreign Minister's attention to 
the fact that the Municipal Council 
of Shanghai has issued a notice 
that beginning with the 6th inst. 
German and Austrian subjects may 
not enter or reside in the Inter- 
national Concession without special 
permission, etc 

Says that since the declaration of 
*var between China and Germany, 
all former agreements and treaties 
which China has entered into with 
the enemy country have become of 
no effect ; therefore, China should 
stop payment of all interest ac- 
crued on various loans due to 
enemy banks 

Invites the Chinese Government to 
agtee to a proposed procedure 
for chartering enemy ships detained 
in Chinese ports 

Acknowledges above note and con- 
sents to the general procedure 
proposed . 



Refers to Provisional Regulations 
governing trial of enemy subjects 



in civil and criminal cases. 



Formally protests against non-pay 
ment of interest to Deutsch-Asiatis- 
che Bank 



186 



186 



187 

188 



1S9 



190 

190 
191 

192 
193 



XXV 



No. From and to whom. 



190 



191. 



The Netherlands Mi- 
nister at Peking to 
the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 



.do 




1917. 
Nov. 6, 



Nov. 26 



Calls Foreign Minister's attention to 
Establishment of a bureau for 
liquidation of Deutsch-Asiatische 
Bank, and characterizes action of 
Chinese Government toward said 
Bank as absolutely illegal 

Protests against the liquidation of the 
agencies of Deutsch-Asiatische 
Bank in China ' 



194 



195 



XXVI 



ERRATA 

Page 16, docume nt No. 14. Date of the document: For "[August 8th 
1917]'' substitute "[August 14th, 1917]" 

Page 23, docnment No. 26. Heading of the document: For " Chinese 
Charge d'A/faires at Brussels" substitute '•Chinese Charge d'Affaires at 
Copenhagen," - 

Page 121. For "Wu Ch'ung-lien" wherever it occurs substitute "Wu 
Ch'ung-hsien." 

Page 146, document No. 150, par. 3: For "This is only a proof of the 
Chinese Government's generous policy." substitute "This is the humane policy 
of the Chinese Government." Par. 4, line 2: For "every courtesy" substitute 
"generosity." 

Page 147, par. 1. line 2: For "29th inst." substitute "29th ult." 




PART I 



Concerning the Severance of Diplomatic Relation 
and the Declaration of War. 



Official Documents 

RELATING TO 

THE WAR 

(For The Year 1917.) 



No. 1. 

The German Minister of Foreign Affairs 
to the Chinese Minister at Berlin. 

\Noie— Translation.] 

Berlin, January 31st, 1917, 
Monsieur le Ministre, 

In their note of December 12th, 1916, Germany and her Allies 
declared themselves ready to enter into peace negotiations with their 
adversaries. They indicated as a basis the guaranty of the existence, 
honor and free development of their peoples. Their plans were not 
aimed as they expressly proclaimed, at the destruction or annihilation 
of their adversaries, and, in their conviction, their plans were entirely 
compatible with the rights of other nations. 

As regards Belgium, ihe Chancellor had declared a few weeks 
before that Germany had never had the intention to annex it. 

In the peace to be concluded with Belgium, Germany merely 
desired to take precautionary measures, so that that country with 
which the Imperial Government wishes to live in good neighborly 
relations, could not be exploited by Germany's adversaries for the 
promotion of hostile attempts. Such precautionary measures are the 
more urgently needed since in their repeated speeches and especially 
in the resolutions of the Paris Economic Conference leading statesmen 
in the enemy countries have expressed their undisguised intention 
to refuse equality of treatment to Germany even after the restoration 
of peace but on the contrary to continue a systematic fight 
against her. 

The attempt of the four Allied Powers to bring about peace 
failed on account of the lust of conquest of their adversaries who 
wanted to dictate the terms of peace. Under the pretext of the principle 
of nationalities they have disclosed their true object in the war which 
is the destruction and humiliation of Germany, Austria-Hungary, 
Turkey and Bulgaria. . To the desire for reconciliation they opposed 
their will for annihilation. They want to fight to the last. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENT RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 2 — 

Thus a new state of affairs has sprung up which forces Germany 
to new decisions. For two and a half years, England has made an 
illegitimate use of her maritime power with the criminal object of 
reducing Germany by starvation. By their brutal contempt o f 
international law the group of Powers led by England not only sup- 
press the legitimate commerce of their adversaries, but also by 
ruthless pressure force the neutral states to cease all traffic incon- 
venient to them or to limit their commerce according to their 
arbitrary decrees. 

The efforts taken to compel England and her Allies to respect 
the law of nations and the freedom of the seas are known to the 
Chinese Government. 

In spite of this the English Government persists in its war of 
starvation which without affecting the military strength of the 
adversary, forces the women and children, the sick and the aged 
of our country to undergo painful privations endangering our national 
vitality. 

Thus the English lust of hegemony cool-bloodedly increases 
the causes of suffering in the world without regard for the most 
sacred principles of humanity, without regard for the protests .of the 
greatly injured neutrals, without regard even for the silent ranging 
for peace among her own allies. 

Every day this fearful struggle is prolonged brings new 
devastations, new miseries and new losses of human lives. Every 
day by which the war is shortened will preserve on both sides the 
lives of thousands of brave soldiers and means a blessing for tortured 
humanity. 

The Imperial Government before its own conscience, before the 
German people, and before history, is unable to assume responsibility 
for failing to utilize any means to hasten the end of the war. 

It had the desire and hope to reach the end of the war by way of 

negotiations. The adversaries having answered the attempt to enter 

into negotiation by an announcement of intensified warfare, the 

Imperial Government, in order to serve humanity in the highest sense 

and with a view to discharging itself of a heavy responsibility" before 

the eyes <. f its people, must employ all its weapons in order to 

continue the fight to which it has been forced in defence of its 

Existence. Therefore the Imperial Government is obliged to do away 

wit.i, those restrictions with which until now it has limited its 

warfaVe on the sea. 



SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. 



In the firm confidence that the people and the Government 
of China will consider the motives of that decision which is 
dictated by necessity, the Imperial Government hopes that China will 
appreciate the new state of affairs from the lofty heights of impartiali- 
ty, and on her part will also co-operate in order to avoid further 
misery and the avoidable sacrifice of human lives. 

With reference to the details of the planned naval measures, in 
the annex enclosed the Imperial Government begs to express its hope 
that the Chinese Government will warn Chinese vessels of the danger 
which they run in entering the forbidden zones described in the annex 
as well as warn Chinese citizens against entrusting passengers or 
goods to ships frequenting the ports of the forbidden zones. 

I avail, etc. 



[srf] Zimmermann. 



Annex. 

[Translation.] 

Beginning Februaiy ist, 1917, within certain barred zones 
around Great Britain, France and Italy and in the Eastern Mediter- 
ranean Sea designated hereunder all vessels will be attacked by all 
available wepons without further notice. 

a. In the North Sea a zone around England and France limited 
by a line drawn twenty marine leagues from the Dutch coast as far as 
the Terschelling lightship, by the meridian of the Terschelling 
lightship as far as Udsire, by a line from there traversing to the point 
62 degrees of latitude north o degree of longitude, from there to 62 
degrees of latitude north 5 degrees of longitude west, from there as 
far as a point situated at three marine leagues to the south 
of the southern point of the Faroe Islands from there westward 
across a point 62 degrees of latitude north 10 degrees of longitude 
west, then to the point 61 degrees of latitude north 15 
degrees of longitude west, then to 57 degrees of latitude north 
20 degrees of longitude west and as far as 47 degrees of latitude 
north 20 degrees of longitude west, then as far as 43 degrees of 
latitude north 15 degrees of longitude west, then along the 43rd degree 
of latitude north as far as a point within 20 marine leagues of cape 
Finisterre and at 20 marine leagu -s distance along the northern coast 
of Spain as far as the French frontier. 

b. In the south, the Mediterranean Sea. The maritime zone 
remains open to neutral navigation to the west of the line Pt. of 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

- 4 — 
Espiquette as far as 38 degrees 20 minutes north and 6 degress 
«ast as well as to the north and to the west of a zone of the breadth of 
60 marine leagues along the coast of North Africa beginning from 2 
degrees of longitude west. 

In order to permit the communication in this maritime zone with 
Greece a zone of the breadth of 20 marine leagues leads either to the 
north or to the east of the following line : 

38 degrees of latitude north and 6 degrees of longitude east as 
far as 30 degrees of latitude north and 10 degrees of longitude east ; 
then to 37 degrees north and 11 degrees 30 minutes east, then to 34 
degrees north and 11 degrees 30 minutes east to 34 degrees 
north and 22 degrees 30 minutes east. From there a zone of the 
breadth of 20 marine leagues leads to the territorial waters of Greece 
to the west of 22 degrees 30 minutes of longitude east. 

Neutral ships which ply in the barred zones do so at 
their own risk. Although precautions will be taken for sparing, 
during an appropriate length of time, neutral ships which on the 
1st of February are on their way to the ports situated in the 
barred zone, yet it is urgently advised that they should be warned 
and by all available means directed to alter their course. 

Neutral ships lying in the port; of the baned zones can 
with the same safety leave the forbidden zone provided that they 
sail before February 5th and take the shortest route to get to 
the free zone. 

Enclosed are two copies of charts in which the barred zones 
are marked. 



The Get' man Minister of Foreign Affairs 
to the Chinese Minister at Berlin. 

[Note Verbale — Translation.] 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs referring to its note of January 
31st, has the honor to inform the Chinese Legation that the limit 
of the east of the barred zone around England has been changed as 
follows : 

From the point 52 degrees 30 minutes of latitude north 4 degrees 
of longitude east by a point 56 degrees of latitude north 4 degrees of 
longitude east to the point 56 degrees of latitude north 4 degrees 50 
minutes of longitude east. Otherwise the limit remains the same. 

Berlin, February 5th, 1917. 
To the Legation of China. 



SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. 



— 3 — 

No. 2. 

The American Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note— Copy.] » 

Peking, February 4th, 1917. 
Excellency : 

I have the honor to advise Your Excellency that I have been 
instructed by my Government to make to you the following 
notification in its behalf : 

This Government, in view of the recent announcement by the 
German Government of its intention to renew indiscriminate 
submarine warfare, has no alternative but to pursue the course laid 
down in its note to the German Government on April 18th, 1916. It 
will therefore recall the American Ambassador and his suite at 
Berlin, and will forthwith deliver to the German Ambassador in 
Washington passports for himself and his suite. 

I am further instructed to say that the President is reluctant to 
believe that Germany will actually carry out the threats made against 
neutral commerce, but, if.it is done, the President will ask from 
Congress authority to use the national power 1 to protect American 
citizens engaged in peaceful and lawful errands on the high reas. The 
course taken is, in the view of the President, in entire conformity 
with the principles enunciated by him in his address to the Senate on 
January 22nd, and he therefore believes that it will make for the peace 
of the world if the other neutral Powers can find it possible to take 
action similar to that taken by the Government of, the United States. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Paul S. Reinsch. 

M. 3. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the German Minister at Peking. 

[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, 9th day, 2nd month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[February 9th 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

A telegraphic communication has been received from the Chinese 

Minister at Berlin transmitting a note from the German Government 

dated February 1st 1 , 1917, which makes known that the measures of 

blockade newly adopted by the Government of Germany will, from 

that day, endanger neutral merchant vessels navigating in certain 

prescribed zones. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 6 -^. 

The new measures of submarine warfare inaugurated by 
Germany, imperilling the lives and property of Chinese citizens to 
even a greater extent than the measures previously taken which have 
already cost China, so many lives constitute a violation of the prin- 
ciples of international law at present in force, and an interference with 
legitimate commercial intercourse between neutral states and be- 
tween neutral states and belligerent powers; if we submit to this 
method of warfare it will be equivalent to an admission on our part 
that this arbitrary and unjustifiable course of action is in accordance 
with international law. 

The Chinese Government, therefore, protests energetically to the 
Imperial German Government against the measures proclaimed on 
February 1st, and sincerely hopes that with a view to respecting the 
rights of neutral states and to maintaining the friendly relations 
between these two countries, the said measures will not be carried out. 

In case, contrary to its expectations, its protest be ineffectual, the 
Government of the Chinese Republic will be constrained, to its 
profound regret, to sever diplomatic relations at present existing 
between the two countries. It is necessary to add that the attitude 
of the Chinese Government has been dictated purely by the, desire to 
further the cause of the world's peace and the maintenance of the 
sanctity of international law. 

I avail, etc. 

[Sd.~\ Wu Ting-fang. 

No. 4. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the American Minister at Peking. 
[No'e — Translation.'] 

Peking, 9th day, 2nd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[February 9th 1918] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Ex- 
cellency's note of February 4th, 1917, informing me that the Govern- 
ment of the United States of America, in view of the adoption by the 
German Government of its new policy of submarine warfare on the 
1st of February, has decided to take certain action which it judges 
necessary as regards Germany. 

The Chinese Govornment, like the President of the United States 

of America, is reluctant to believe that the German Government 

will actually carry into execution those measures which imperil the 

ives and property of citizens of neutral states and jeopardize the 

commerce, even legitimate, between neutrals as well as between 



SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. 



— 7 — 
neutrals and belligerents and which tend, if allowed to be enforced 
without oppostion, to introduce a new principle into interna- 
tional law. 

The Chinese Government being in accord with the principles set 

forth in Your Excellency's note and firmly associating itself with the 
Government of the United States of America, has taken similar action 
by protesting energetically to the German Government against the 
new measures of blockade. The Chinese Government also proposes to 
take such action in the future as may be deemed necessary for the 
maintenance of the principles of international law. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.~\ Wu Ting-fang 

No. 5 

The German Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Note — Translation.] 

Peking, March ioth, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that at 7 p.m. on 
the ioth inst., I have received instructions from the German 
Imperial Government to transmit to the Chinese Government the 
following : 

The Imperial Government is greatly surprised at the threat used 
by the Government of the Republic of China in its note of protest. 
Many other countries have also protested, but China, which has been 
in friendly relations with Germany, is the only state which added a 
threat to its protest. The surprise is doubly great, because of the 
fact that, as China has no shipping interests in the seas of the blocked 
zones, she will not suffer thereby. 

The Government of the Republic of China refers to loss of 
life on the part of Chinese citizens as the result of the present me- 
thods of war. The Imperial German Government wishes to point 
out that the Government of the Republic of China has never com- 
municated with the Imperial Government regarding a single case of 
this kind nor has it protested in this connection before. According to 
reports received by the Imperial Government, such losses as have been 
actually sustained by Chinese subjects have occurred on the firing 
line while they were engaged in digging trenches and in 
other war services. While thus engaged, they have assumed 
the character of combatants and are thus bound to be exposed to all 
accompanying dangers. The Imperial Government has on several 
occasions protested against the transportation of Chinese for warlike 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



purposes. Even during the war the Imperial Government has given 
excellent proof of its friendly feelings toward China. In consideration 
of these friendly relations the Imperial Government is willing to treat 
the matter as if the threat had never been uttered and it is reasonable 
for the Imperial Government to expect that the Government of the 
Republic of China will revise its views respecting the question. 

Germany's enemies weie the first to declare a blockade on 
Germany and the same is being ruthlessly carried out. It is therefore 
difficult for Germany to abandon her blockade policy. The Imperial 
Government is nevertheless willing to comply with the wishes of the 
Government of the Republic of China by opening negotiations to 
arrive at a plan for the protection of Chinese life and property, with 
the view that consideration be given to the shipping rights of China. 
The reason which has prompted the Imperial Government to meet 
the Chinese Government in this way is the knowledge that,' once 
diplomatic relations are severed with Germany, China will not only 
lose a truly good friend but will also lie- entangled in unthinkable 
difficulties. 

In forwarding to Your Excellency the above instructions from my 
home Government, I beg also to state that — if the Government of 
China be willing — I am empowered to open negotiations for the pro- 
tection of the shipping rights of China. 

I have, etc. [si/] von Hintze. 

m. 6. 

Presidential Proclamation. 

[Translation ] 

China has observed strict neutrality since the outbreak of the 
war in Europe. A note, however, was received from the German 
Government on the 2nd day ot the 2nd month of this year, warning us 
of the danger to neutral ships sailing from the latter date in certain 
zones as defined according to the new blockade declared by Germany, 
etc. The Government thereupon decided that, inasmuch as the German 
method of attacking merchantships has already caused considerable 
loss of Chinese life and property and as the new submarine policy would 
cause even greater manace and injury, China, moved by the desire 
to uphold International Law and to discharge the duty of protecting 
the life and property of her people, lodged a strong protest with the 
German Government and stated that, unless Germany withdrew her 
new policy, China would be compelled to sever diplomatic relations 
with Germany. It was then hoped that Germany would not persist 



SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. 

— 9 — 

in her policy but would maintain the friendly relations hitherto 
existing between the two countries. But a month has passed, and 
Germany has not yet abandoned her submarine warfare. On the 
contrary, many merchant ships of various countries have [been 
sunk ; and on several occasions our people have suffered losses of 
life. A formal reply was received on the nth inst. from the German 
Government, stating that it was difficult for Germany to abandon her 
blockade policy. This is, indeed, disappointing to us. In the cause 
of InternaiionalXaw and in the interests of the protection of the lives 
and property of our people, diplomatic relations with Germany are 

hereby severed. 

[Seal of the President] 

Peking, The 14th day of the 3rd month, 
The 6th year of the Chung Hua Republic. 
[March 14th 1917.] 

Countersigned : 

Tuan Chi-jui, Premier and Minister of War. 

Wu Ting-fang, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Fan Yuan-lien, Minister of Education and Acting 

Minister of Interior. 

Chen Chin-tao, Minister of Finance. 

Chen Pi-kuan, Minister of the Navy. 

Chang Yao-tsen, Minister of Justice. 

Ku Chung-hsiu, Minister of Agriculture and Commerce. 

Hsu Shih-ying, Minister of Communications. 

No. 7. 

Presidential Mandate. 
[Translation.] 

Now that the existing diplomatic relations with Germany are 
severed, as regards the protection of German subjects and other 
necessary steps which should be taken, the Authorities concerned are 
hereby ordered to formulate plans, in accordance with the rules of 
International Law, for promulgation. 

[Seal of the President.'] 

Peking, The 14th day of the 3rd month, 
The 6th year of the Chung Hua Republic. 
[March 14th 1917.] 
Countersigned : 

Tuan Chi-jui, Premier and Minister of War. 

Wu Ting-fang, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Fan Yuan-lien, Minister of Education and Acting Minister of 
Interior. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 10 — 
Chen Pi-kuang, Minister of the Navy. 
Chen Chin-tao, Minister of Finance. 

Chang Yao-tsen, Minister of Justice. 
Ku Chung-hsiu, Minister of Agriculture and Commerce. 
Hsu Shih-ying, Minister of Communications. 

No. 8. 

s 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the German Minister at, Peking 
[ Note. — Translation'] 

Peking, 14th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 14th 19.17.] 
Your Excellency : 

With reference to the new submarine policy of German}', the 
Government of the Republic of China, animated by the desire to fur. 
ther the cause of world "s peace and to maintain the sanctity of Interna- 
tional Law, addressed a protest to Your Excellency on the 9th day 
of the 2nd month last, and declared that, in case, contrary to its 
expectation, its protest should be ineffectual, it would be constrained 
to sever the diplomatic relations at present existing between the two 
countries. 

During the lapse of a month no heed has been paid to the protest 
of the Government of the Republic in the activities of the German 
submarines — activities which have caused the loss of many Chinese 
lives. On March 10th, a reply was received from Your Excellency. 
Although the same states that the Imperial German Government is 
willing to open negotiations to arrive at a plan for the protection of 
Chinese life and property, yet it declares that it is difficult for Ger- 
many to abandon her blockade policy. It is, therefore, not in accord 
with the object of the protest; and the Government of the Chinese 
Republic, to its deep regret, considers its protest to be ineffectual 
The Government of the Republic is constrained to sever the diplomatic 
relations at present existing with the Imperial German Government. 

I have the honor to send herewith to Your Excellency passports 
for Your Excellency, the members of the German Legation and their 
families and retinue for protection while leaving Chinese territory. 
With regard to the Consular Officers of Germany in China, this 
Ministry has instructed the different Commissioners of Foreign Affairs 
to issue to them, similarly, passports for leaving the country. 
I avail, etc. 

[sd~\ Wu ling-fang. 



SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. 
— ii — 

NO 9 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Dtplotnalic Representatives 
of the Allied and Neutral Nations at Peking. 
[Circular Note — Translation] 

Peking, 14th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 14th 1917] 
Your Excellency, 

With regard to the new German submarine policy the Chinese 
Government, animated by the desire to respect the peace of the 
world and uphold international law, has lodged a protest with the 
German Government against that policy, and at the same time de- 
clared that in case the protest should be ineffectual, the Chinese 
Government, to its deepest regret, would be constrained to sever 
diplomatic relations with Germany. A note to that effect was 
accordingly delivered on the 9th of the 2nd month last to Your 
Excellency for transmission to your Government. 

I have now received from the German Minister at Peking a 
formal reply in which although it "is stated that the German Govern 
ment is still willing to open negotiations to arrive at a plan for the 
protection of the lives and property of the Chinese people yet 
inasmuch as it is declared that it is difficult to abandon the 
blockade policy the reply is not in accord with the object of the 
protest, and the Chinese Government considers its protest to be 
ineffectual. 

Therefore, besides notifying the German Minister of the 
severance of diplomatic relations, with Germany and issuing 
passports to him, his suite and family, as well as all German 
Consuls at the various ports in China, for their departure, I have 
the honor to send to your Excellency this notification for your 
nformation and to request that Your Excellency will be good enough 
to transmit the same to your Government. 
I avail, etc. 

[sd] Wu Ting-fang. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 12 — 

No. 10 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Note— Translation. ] 

Peking., March 15, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

With reference to Your Excellency's note of the 14th instant 
informing me of the severance of the existing diplomatic relations 
between the Chinese Government and Germany, I have now been 
instructed by my Government to take charge of all German interests 
in China at the request of the German Government. As I have 
always been courteously treated by your Ministry during my long stay 
in China, therefore, acting in the present case under the instructions 
of my Government, I entertain the further hope that your Ministry wil 
maintain the former attitude toward me. In view of the fact that 
the Chinese Government has always not only herself, respected in- 
ternational law but also desired other States to respect it, it is 
certain that no obstacles will stand in the way of the performance 

of the duties now imposed upon me. 

I avail, etc. 
[sd] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

No 11 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Nelherland Minister at Peking. 
[Note — Translation ] 

Peking, 17th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 17th 1917.] 
Your Excellency, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note in which it is stated that since the existing diplomatic relations 
between the Chinese Government and Germany have been broken 
off, Your Excellencv has been instructed by your Government, at 
the request of the German Government, to take charge of all Ger 
man interests in China, and, it is also stated that as Your 
Excellency has invariably been treated with courtesy dur- 
ing your long stay in China, Your Excellency entertains the further- 
hope that the Ministry will maintain its former attitude toward Your 
Excellency, so that no obstacles will stand in the way of the 
performance of the duties now imposed upon Your Excellency. 

In reply I have the honor to state that as Your Excellency has 
during your long stay in China, always been courteous in dealing with 
diplomatic affairs, it is to be earnestly hoped that should any 



SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. 



— 13 — 
questions arise during the period when Your Excellency is instructed 
to take charge of German interests in China, such questions will 
be amicably treated by both sides. 

I avail, etc. 

[stf] Wu Ting-faug. 

No. 12 

Presidential Proclamation. 
[Translation.] 

On the 9th day of the 2nd month of this year the Government of 
the Republic addressed a protest to the German Government against 
the policy of submarine warfare inaugurated by Germany, which was 
considered by this Government as contrary to International Law, and 
imperilling neutral lives and property, and declared therein that in 
case the protest should be ineffectual this Government would be con- 
trained, much to its regret, to sever diplomatic relations with Germany. 

Contrary to our expectations, however, no modification was made 
in Germany's submarine policy after the lodging of our protest. On the 
contrary, the number of neutral vessels and belligerent merchantmen 
destroyed in an arbitrary and illegal manner was daily increasing and 
the lives of our citizens lost were numerous. Under such circumstances, 
although we might yet remain indifferent and endure suffering, with 
the meagre hope of preserving a temporary peace, in so doing, 
we would never be able to satisfy our people who are devoted to 
righteousness and sensible to disgrace, nor could we justify ourselves 
before our sister States which have acted without hesitation in 
obedience to the dictates of a sense of duty. Both here and in the 
friendly States, the cause of indignation was the same, and among 
the people of this country there could be found no difference of 
opinion. This Government, therefore, being compelled to consider its 
protest as being ineffectual, notified, the German Government on 
the 14th day of the 3rd month last of the severance of diplomatic 
relations and at the same time the events taking place from the 
beginning up to that time were announced for the general information 
of the international public. 

What we have desired is peace ; what we have respected is 
International Law ; what we have to pvotect are the lives and 
property of our own people. As we originally had no other grave 
causes of enmity against Germany, if the German Government, had 
manifested repentance for the deplorable consequences resulting from 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENT RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 14 — 
its method of warfare, it might still have been expected to modify 
that policy in view of the common indignation of the whole world. 
That was what we have eagerly desired, and it was the reason why we 
have felt reluctant to treat Germany as a common enemy. 
Nevertheless, during the five months following the severance of 
diplomatic relations, the submarine attacks have continued exactly 
as before. It is notGermany alone, but Austria-Hungary as well, which 
has adopted and pursued this policy without abatement. Not only 
has International Law been thereby violated, but also our people are 
suffering injuries and losses. The most sincere hope on our part of 
bringing about a better state of affairs is now shattered. 

Therefore, it is hereby declared, that a state of war exists 
betwern China on the one hand and Germany and Austria Hungary 
on the other, commencing from ten o'clock of this, the 14th day of 
the 8th month of the 6th year of the Republic of China. 

In consequence thereof, all treaties, agreements, and conventions, 
heretofore concluded between China and Germany, and between China 
and Austria-Hungary, as well as such parts of the international pro- 
tocols and international agreements as concern only the relations 
between China and Germany and between China and Austria-Hungary 
are, in conformity with the Law of Nations and international 
practice, hereby abrogated. This Government, however, will respect 
the Hague Conventions and its international agreements respecting 
the humane conduct of war. 

The chief object in our declaration of war is to put an end to the 
calamities of war and to hasten the restoration of peace. All our 
citizens will appreciate this to be our aim. Seeing, however, that our 
people have riot yet at the present time recovered from sufferings 
on account of the recent political disturbances and that calamity 
again befalls us in the breaking out of the present war, I, the 
President of this Republic, cannot help having profound sympathy for 
our people when I take into consideration their further suffering. I 
would never have resorted to this step which involves fighting for the 
very existence of our nation, were I not driven to this unavoidable 
decision. 

I cannot bear to think that through us the dignity of Interna- 
tional Law should be impaired, or our position in the family of 
nations should be undermined or the restoration of the peace 
and happiness of the world should be retarded. Let the people of 
this entire nation do their utmost in this hour of trial and 
hardship in order to safeguard and develop the national exis- 
tence of the Chung Hua Republic, so that we may establish 



SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. 



— 15 — 
ourselves amidst the family of nations and share with all man- 
kind the prosperity and blessings drawn from our common association. 
Let this proclamation be published in order that it may be generally 
known. 

Seal of the President 
Peking, The 14th day of the 8th month, The 6th year of the 
Chung Hua Republic. [August 14th 1917.] 
Countersigned by : 

Premier and Minister of War. 



Tuan Chi-jui, 
Wang Ta-hsieh, 
Tang Hua-lung, 
Liang Chi-chao, 
Liu Kwan-hsiung, 
Ling Chang-ming, 
Fan Yuan-lien, 
Chang Kuo-kan, 
Tsao Ju-lin, 



Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Minister of Interior. 

Minister of Finance. 

Minister of Navy. 

Minister of Justice. 

Minister of Education. 

Minister of Agriculture & Commerce. 

Minister of Communications. 



NO. 13. 

Presidential Mandate. 
[Translation. ] 

This country is now in a. state of war against Germany and 
Austria-Hungary. The Government departments concerned are 
hereby ordered promptly and effectively to take the necessary steps in 
this connection as sanctioned by existing International Law and 
precedents. 

Seal of the President 
Peking, The I4t h day of the 8th month, The 6th year of the 
Chung Hua Republic. [August 14th 1917.] 
Countersigned by 

Premier and Minister of War. 
Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
Minister of Interior. 
Minister of Finance. 
Minister of Navy. 
Minister of Justice 
Minister of Education. 
Minister of Agriculture and Commerce. 
Tsao Ju-lin, Minister of Communications. 



Tuan Chi-jui, 
Wang Ta-hsieh, 
Tang Hua-lung, 
Liang Chi-chao, 
Liu Kwan-hsiung, 
Lin Chang-min, 
Fan Yuan-lien, 
Chang Kuo-kan, 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENT RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 16 — 

No. 14. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 

[ Note — Translation. ] 

Peking, 14th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 

[August 8th 1917.] 
Your Excellency, 

On the 9th day of the 2nd month last, the Chinese Government 
addressed a protest to the German Government against the policy of 
submarine warfare inaugurated by the Central European Powers, 
which was considered oy the Chinese Government as contrary 
to the established principles of international law and imperiling 
Chinese lives and property. The Chinese Government declared that in 
case its protest should be ineffectual China would be constrained, 
much to her regret, to sever diplomatic relations with Germany. 

Contrary to expectations the submarines of the Central European 
Powers continued to sink neutral and belligerent merchantmen where- 
by more Chinese lives were lost, and the Chinese Government could 
not but consider its protest ineffectual and notified Germany on 
the 14th day of the 3rd month last, of the severance of diplomatic 
lelations. 

The .Chinese Government still expected that the general condemna- 
tion of that policy — a policy contrary to international law and 
violating the principles of humanity — would lead to its modification 
but it now finds that there is no reasonable prospect that this ex- 
pectation will be realized. 

The Chinese Government, animated by the desire to maintain 
international law and protect Chinese lives and property, cannot 
remain indifferent to this state of affairs indefinitely, and therefore 
now declares that a state of war exists between China and Germany 
from ten o'clock a.m. of the 14th day of the 8th month of the sixth 
Year of the Chung Hua Republic. In consequence thereof the Treaty 
of September 2, 1861, the Supplementary Convention of March 31, 
1880, and all other treaties, conventions and agreements of whatever 
nature, at present in force between China and Germany, are abrogat- 
ed, as also all such provisions of the Protocol of September 7, 1901 
and other similar international agreements as only concern China and 
Germany. China, however, declares that she will conform to trie 
provisions of the* Hague Conventions and other international agree- 
ments'respecting the humane conduct of war. 

Besides telegraphically requesting the Danish Government to 



SEVERANCE DIPLOMATIC OF RELATIONS. 

.-- 17 — 
inform the German Government, I have the honor to request Your 
Excellency to transmit this note to the German Government. 

I avail, etc. 

(Sd) Wang Ta-hsieh. 

No 15 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Austrian Minister at Peking. 
[Note — Translation,'] 

Peking, 14th day, 8th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

Your Excellency, [August 14th 1917.] 

On the 9th day of the 2nd month last, the Chinese Government 
addressed a protest to the German Government against the policy of 
submarine warfare inaugurated by the Central European Powers, 
which was considered by the Chinese Government to be contrary 
to. the established principles of international law and imperiling 
Chinese lives and property. 

The Chinese Government, considering, its protest to be ineffectual, 
later notified the German Government on the 14th day of the 3rd 
month last, of the severance of diplomatic relations with Germany, 
which fact was duly communicated to Your Excellency. 

As the policy inaugurated by the Ceneral European Powers — a 
policy contrary to international law and violating the principles 
of humanity — remains unmodified, the Chinese Government, animated 
by the desire to maintain international law and protect Chinese lives 
and property, cannot remain indifferent indefinitely. , 

Inasmuch as Austria-Hungary is acting in this matter in concert 
with Germany, the Chinese Government is unable to adopt a different 
attitude toward her and therefore now declares that a state of war 
exists between China and Austria-Hungry from ten o'clock a. m. of 
the 14th day of the 8th month of the 6th year of the Chung Hua 
Republic In consequence thereof the Treaty of September 2, 1869, 
and all other treaties, conventions and agreements of whatever nature, 
at present in force between China and Austria-Hungary, are abrogated, 
as also all provisions of the Protocol of September 7, 1901 and 
other similar international agreements in so far as they concern only 
China and Austria-Hungary. China, however, declares that she will 
conform to the provisions of the Hague Conventions and other 
international agreements respecting the humane conduct of war. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENT RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 18 — 
Besides telegraphing the Chinese Minister at Vienna to inform the 
Austro-Hungarian Government and to apply for his passports, I have 
the honor to send you herewith passports for your Excellency, the 
members of the Austro-Hungarian Legation and their families and 
retinue for protection while leaving Chinese territory. With regard to 
the Consular Officers of Austria-Hungary in China, this Ministry has 
instructed the different Commissioners of Foreign Affairs to issue 
them similar passports for leaving the country. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 

No 16. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to Ike Diplomatic Representatives of 
the Allied and Neutral Nations and the American Minister in Peking. 

[Circular ■ Note — Translation.] 

Peking, 14th day, Sth month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 14th 1917.] 
Your Excellency, 

On the 14th day of the 3rd Month last, the Chinese 
■Government severed its diplomatic relations with Germany, which 
fact was duly communicated to Your Excellency for transmission 
to your Government. 

As there is no hope of the Central European Powers modifying 
their policy of submarine warfare — a policy contrary to interna- 
tional law and violating the principles of humanity — the Chinese 
Government has therefore declared that a state of war exists 
simultaneously between China and Germany and between China and 
Austria-Hungary as from 10 o'clock a.m. of the 14th day of the 
Sth month of the 6th year of the Republic of China, and that all 
treaties of whatever nature between China and Germany and between 
China and Austria-Hungary ate abrogated, as also all provisions of the 
Protocol of September 7th, 1901, and other similar international agree- 
ments in so far as they concern only China and German}' and China 
and Austria-Hungary. The Chinese Government, however, declares 
that it will conform to the provisions of the Hague Conventions and 
other international agreements respecting the humane conduct of war. 

I have the honor to request Your Excellency to take note of this 
communication and to be so good as to. transmit its contents to your 
Government. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. 

— 19 — 
No 17. 

The British Charge d' Affaires at Peking to the Minister of Foreign 

Affairs. 
[Note-Copy.] 

Peking, August 14, 1917. 
Your Excellency, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your 
Excellency's Note of to-day in which you were good enough to inform 
me that as there is no hope of the Central European Powers 
modifying their submarine warfare — a policy so contrary to 
international law and the principles of humanity — the Chinese 
Government have therefore declared a state of war to exist between 
China and Germany and between China and Austria-Hungary 
simultaneously as from 10 a.m. to-day. 

Your Excellency further records that all treaties of whatever 
nature between China and Germany, and between China and 
Austria-Hungary, are abrogated, as also all such provisions of the 
Protocol of September 7, 1901, and other similar international 
agreements as only concern China and Germany, and China and 
Austria-Hungary. The Chinese Government declare, however, that 
they will conform to the provisions of the Hague Conventions and 
other international agreements respecting the humane conduct of war. 

In accordance with Your Excellency's request, I have not failed 
immediately to inform my Government of the momentous decision 
come to by the Chinese Government and I do not doubt that they 
will learn with the liveliest satisfaction of the action taken and of the 
high motives that have inspired Your Excellency's Government. This 
step will, I trust, mark the inception of an era of even closer friend- 
ship between our two countries. 

I have the honour to state, for the information of the Chinese 
Government, that His Britannic Majesty's Government have pleasure 
in assuring them of their solidarity, of their friendship, and of their 
support. His Majesty's Government will do all that rests with them 
to ensure that China shall enjoy in her international relatione the 
position and the regard due to a great country. 
I avail, etc. 

[sd.] B. Alston. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENT RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 20 — 

Ko. 18 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
\Note — Translation.] 

Peking, August 15th, 1917. 
Your Excellency, 

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's Note of 
to-day's date, stating that "commencing from 10 o'clock a.m. the 
14th day of the 8th month of the 6th year of The Chung Hua 
Republic, my Government has declared a state of war simultaneously 
to exist between China and Germany as well as Austria-Hungary," 
etc. I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that besides my 
taking charge of the interests of Germany, I am in receipt of 
instructions from my Government to look after all the interests of 
Austria-Hungary in China, in compliance with a request of the 
Government at Vienna. 

In view of the declaration in Your Excellency's Note that China 
will not fail to act in accordance with the provisions contained in the 
Hague Conventions and other international agreements concerning the 
h urnane conduct of war, I trust that during the period in which I am 
in charge of the interests of the two countries, any question which 
may arise will not render my position difficult. Realizing that your 
benevolence is as great, as my reponsibilities are heavy I believe 

that Your Excellency will give me every assistance. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd ] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

No. 19. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 
[Note — Translation.] 

Peking, 20th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 20th 1917] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note of the 15th instant stating that as China has declared a state of 
war simultaneously to exist between China and Germany as well as 
Austria-Hungary, Your Excellency has received instructions from 
your Government to look after all the interests of Austria-Hungary in 
China, in compliance with a request of the Government at Vienna, etc. 
In reply I beg to state that the above mentioned note has been 
duly read and noted by me. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



PART II 

Concerning the Recall of the Chinese Ministers from 
Germany and Austria-Hungary. 



THE RECALL OF CHINESE MINISTERS. 

— 21 — 

No. 20. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Minister at Berlin. 
[ Telegram — Translation.'] 

Peking, 12th dav, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 12th 1917.] 
Trust you have received my telegram of the 10th. The 
severance of diplomatic relations between China and Germany is 
imminent. Regarding the care and protection of our Legation affairs, 
residents and students in Germany and Belgium, please immediately 
instruct by telegraph Charge d'Affaires Tchai personally to consult 
the Danish Foreign Minister beforehand. Reply by telegram. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 

No. 21. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the 
Swedish Minister at Peking. 
[Memorandum — Translation.'] 

Peking, 27th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 27, 1917.] 

The Government of the Republic, having severed diplomatic 
relations with Germany, has already instructed by telegraph 
the Chinese Minister to Germany, Mr. Yen Hui-ching, to leave 
that country. It has been ascertained that in Belgium, within 
that part of the territory which is now under the administration of 
the German Military Government, there are still some residents and 
students from China; and in Brussels, there is a Chinese official taking 
care of the properties of the Legation. 

As China has no Minister in Germany, the Chinese Government is 
obliged to request the Government of a friendly state to give protec- 
tion and care to the Chinese interests in Belgium. 

The relations between China and Sweden have always been 
cordial and intimate. The Ministry wishes to request His Excellency 
the Swedish Minister to consult his Government by telegraph with 
a view to securing instructions for the Swedish Minister in Belgium 
to protect all Chinese interests in that country. The Ministry will 
highly appreciate a favorable reply. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 22 — 

NO. 22. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Minister at Berlin 
(cjo Chinese Legation in Denmark) 
[ Telegram — Translation.} 

Peking, 28th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 28th 1917.] 
Your telegram of the 19th received. Ask Sweden to protect the 
Chinese interests in Belgium. Request the Swedish Minister to 

secure the consent of his Government. 

[sd.~\ W'u Ting-fang. 



No 23. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Minister at Brussels. 
[ Telegram — Translation. ] 

Peking, 31st day, 3rd month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[March 31, 1917.] 

The Swedish Government has complied with the request of the 

Chinese Government to protect all Chinese interests in Belgium. 

The Swedish Minister to Belgium has already been instructed to that 

effect. 

[si.] Wu Ting-fang. 



No. 24 

The Swedish Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note—Copy.'] 

Peking, 31st March, 1917. 
Monsieur le Ministre, 

Referring to my note of the 28th inst. I have the pleasure to 

communicate to Your Excellency that a telegram reaching me from 
Stockholm this morning states that my Government is pleased to 
meet the Chinese Government's desire as to the represensation of 
Chinese interests in Belgium. 

The Swedish Legation in Brussels has been instructed to take 
charge of Chinese affairs. 

1 avail 1 , etc. 

[sd.~] G. 0. Wallenberg. 



THE RECALL OF CHINESE MINISTERS. 



— 23 — 
No. 25 

The Chinese Minister at Berlin to the Minister of Foreign Affairs 
[Telegram — Translation.] 
^Translated and transmitted through the Chinese Legation in 
Copenhagen) 

Copenhagen, 4th day, 4th month, 

6th vear of the Republic. 

[April 4, 1917,] 

Two members of Legation in Belgium with 43 Chinese residents 
left on the 2nd. for Switzerland in a special train. We are all safe, 
and will depart on the 12th. 

[sd ] Yen Hni-ching. 

No 26 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Charge 

d' Affaires at Brussels. 
[Telegram — Translation] 

Peking, 13th day, 4th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

i [April 13, 1917.] 

Please thank the Danish Foreign Minister on behalf of the 
Government for consenting to protect the Chinese interests in Ger- 
many. 

This Ministry handed his passports to the German Minister in 
Peking and his staff as early as the 14th of the 3rd month and, in 
accordance with international usage consulted Great Britain, France, 
Japan and the United States, requesting those four countries to 
issue safe-conducts to the German Minister and staff, enabling them 
to return to their home country in safety. The British safe-condu ct 
contains a time limit of two months. 

The German Minister and staff left China on March 27th by way 
of Shanghai where they took a Dutch steamer for Germany via 
America and Holland. Owing to the fact that, at present, steamers 
sailing from America to Holland take no passengers, the German 
Minister and staff must take another route and go by way of Sweden 
or Norway, or Denmark. 

This Ministry again consulted the British, French, and American 
Governments, requesting them to permit the German Minister to pass 
through without hinderance on the strength of the safe-conducts 
already issued. 

As the German Government considers that the two months' time 
limit in the safe-conducts is insufficient, this Ministry has already 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 24 — 

specially requested Great Britain, France, and the United 
States to cancel the time limit, in order to enable the German Minister 
and partv to reach and land in Sweden or Norway or Denmark in 
safety. 

The German Government, however, under the pretext that the 
time limit is too short, has instructed the Netherlands Minister to 
announce to this Ministry, that unless a safe-conduct without time 
limit is given to the German Minister to China and his party, 
Minister Yen Hui-ching will not be allowed to leave Germany. 
Such an act practically amounts to holding Minister Yen as hostage. 
It is certainly a violation cf International Law. 

Please consult with haste the Danish Foreign Minister requesting 
him to instruct by telegraph the Danish Minister to Germany to 
protest strongly to the German Government with the request that 
passports be issued to Minister Yen immediately. Reply by telegraph. 

[sd] Wu Ting-fang. 

No. 27. 

The Minister oj Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Minister at Berlin. 
[ Telegram — Translation — Extract. ] ♦ 

Peking, 19th day, 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[April 19, 1917] 
Your three telegrams of the 6tb r nth, and 12th have all been 
received. 

That the German Government wishes to be informed on several 
matters before your departure is not unlike holding you as hostage. 
It is a clear violation of International Law. 

Besides protesting to the Netherlands Legation here, and tele- 
graphing to our Charge d'Affaires in Denmark to request the Danish 
Government to protest to Germany, it is desired that you will demand 
your passports and proceed to Denmark in order to avoid complications. 

[sd] Wu Ting-fang. 



THE RECALL OF CHINESE MINISTERS. 



No. 28. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Minister al Berlin • 
[Telegram — Translation.] 

Peking. 2nd day; 5th month. 
6th year of the Republic. 
[May 2, 1917 ] 

On what date did you reach Denmark ? Have all the students 
left Germany ? Please telegraph a summary report of the treatment 
you and Chinese residents have received from the German Govern- 
ment after severance of diplomatic relations. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 

NO. 29. 

The Chinese Minister at Berlin to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
{Telegram — Translation — Extract.] 

Copenhagen, 4th day 5th month. 
6th year of the Republic. 
[May 4. IQ 1 ?-] 
Your telegram of the 2nd received. Students remain temporarilv. 
Treatment after severance of diplomatic relations same as before. I 
reported particulars already by telegram on the 2nd. 

[sd.] Yen Hui-ching. 

No. 30. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese 
Minister at Vienna. 

[Telegram —Translation-Extract ] 

Peking, 3rd day. 8th month. 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 3, 19.17.] 
You may soon be recalled. Also make preparations tor the 
departure 01 Chinese students and residents in Austria-Hungary. 

[sd ] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 26 — 

No 31. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Minister at Copenhagen. 

[Telegram — Translation.] 

Peking, 7th day, 8th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[August 7, 1917] 

If Minister Shen-shui-ling be recalled it is desired that Chinese 

interests in Austria be taken care of by the Danish Government. 

Please informally consult the Danish Government first. In case of 

its non-compliance, please then consult the Swedish Government. 

Reply by telegraph. - „ - ■'. : 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



NO. 32. 

The Chinese Minister at Vienna to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Telegram— Translation— Extract.] 

Vienna, 8th day, 8th month. 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 8, 1917] 
Your Telegram of the 3rd received. Passage home either, by- 
water or by land is interrupted. As to the departure of Chinese 
students and residents here the practice is that an equal number of 
persons may be exchanged by each party. Am not yet certain that 
they can leave with me. Please inform the Danish Minister of the 
treatment and escort accorded to the Austrian Minister on his 
departure in order that the information may be transmitted to the 
Austrian Government so that equal treatment may be accorded us 

hete ' [sd.] Shen Shui-ling. 



No. 33. 

The Chinese Minister a! Copenhagen to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Telegram — Translation.] 

Copenhagen, 13th day, 8th month. 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 13, iqi/- ] 
Your telegram of the 7 th received. Danish Foreign Minister has 
personally promised to comply with our request. This already 
communicated to Minister Shen Shui-ling by telegraph. 

[sd.] Yen Hui-ching. 



THE RECALL OF CHINESE MINISTERS. 



— 27 — 
No. 34. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[■Note — Translation . ] 

Peking, August 16th, 1917. 

Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I have recently 
received a telegram from the German Government, stating that the 
German Government appreciates the kind treatment which the 
Chinese Government has accorded the German subjects residing in 
China, and firmly trusts that the Chinese Government will find means 
to secure safe-conducts for those German merchants who wish to leave 
China ; in return for such treatment, the German Government will 
likewise give every facility to those Chinese students who wish to leave 
German territory, etc., etc. A few days ago I delegated a member of 
my Legation to convey this message to an official of your Ministry. 

Now I have again received a telegram from the German Govern- 
ment requesting me again to represent to Your Excellency that "the 
German Government, in view of the present circumstances, anticipates 
that German subjects who wish to leave China will be able to secure ' 
the required safe-conducts to enable them safely to return home," 
etc. I have the honor to make this communication for Your Ex- 
cellency's information. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

No. 35, 

"The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Russian Minister at Peking 

in charge of the interests of the Danish Legation. 

[Note — Translation.] 

Peking, 17th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 17, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

On the 14th instant, I had the honor of requesting Your Ex- 
cellency to inform the Danish Government that China has declared a 
state of war to exist between China and Austria-Hungary. And I 
have instructed by telegraph the Chinese Minister Mr. Yen at Copen- 
hagen to request the Danish Government to take charge of all Chinese 
interests in Austria-Hungary. Now I am in receipt of a telegram 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 28 — 
from Minister Yen stating that the Danish Government has consented 
to take charge of and protect our interests, etc. This is most gratify- 
ing evidence of the intention of the Danish Government to solidify 
the friendly relations between the two countries. I am very happy to 
express my gratitude and request that Your Excellency will be so 
good as to convey the deep appreciation of my Government to the 
Royal Government of Denmark. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang^Ta-hsieh. 

No. 36. 

The Chinese Minister at Copenhagen to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Dispatch — Translation . ] 

Copenhagen, 21st day, 8th month, 
6th year ol the Republic. 
[August 21, 1917.] 

Excellency: 

On the 12th instant, I received your telegram of the 7th stating 
that "if Minister Shen be recalled, it is desired that Chinese interests 
in Austria-Hungary be taken care of by Denmark. Please informally 
consult the Danish Government first. Incase of its non-compliance, 
please then consult the Swedish Government," etc. On the 13th 
instant, I called on the Danish Foreign Minister M. Scavenius who 
has gladly acceded to my request that Chinese interests in 
Austria-Hungary be protected by the Danish Minister to that 
country. 

As the Chinese interests in Turkey and Bulgaria have hitherto 
been taken care of by the Austrian Ambassador to the Porte, I 
availed myself of the opportunity to inquire whether Chinese interests 
in those two countries might be looked after by the Danish Represent- 
atives accredited to those countries. In response I was told that in 
Turkey there is a Danish Minister who may assume the protection of 
Chinese interests there, but in Bulgaiia there is only an honorary 
Consul-General and it is not deemed desirable to invest him with diplo- 
matic functions. Thereupon I briefly reported the above interview by 
telegraph to your Excellency and also to Minister Shen as well. Upon 
receipt this morning of a formal reply from the Danish Minister of 



THE RECALL OF CHINESE MINISTERS. 

— 29- 

Foreign Affairs, consenting to undertake the protection of Chinese 
interests in Austria-Hungary as well as of Chinese residents in 
Turkey, I immediately wrote to the Minister of Foreign Affairs 
conveying to him your appreciation of the courtesy. 

I have, etc. 

[sd] Yen Hui-ching. 

No. 37. 

The Minister of Foreign AJ/airs to the Chinese Minister at Copenhagen. 

[ Telegram — Translation.'] 

Peking, 22nd day. 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 22, 1917.] 
It would be more convenient for Minister Shen to return home 
via Germany. As the Germans in China have returned home without 
dfficulty via the United States through the intercession of our 
Government it seems reasonable for the German Government to accord 
Minister Shen the same courtesy. Please request the Danish Govern- 
ment to instruct its Minister at Vienna to request the Austrian 
Government to ask the German Government to grant passage to 
Minister Shen. Please also communicate with Minister Shen and 
reply by telegraph. 

[sd.J Wang Ta-hsieh. 

No. 38. 

The Chinese Minister at Rome to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Telegram — Translation.] 

Rome, 26th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 26, 1917.] 

In response to my inquiry the Swiss Legation said that a tele- 
graphic reply from Vienna stated that the Chinese Minister and his 
suite- may take their departure upon the Austrian Government 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— J (J — 
receiving a definite reply from its Minister at Peking arrd that the 
treatment to be accorded to Chinese residents is dependent, upon the 
treatment given to Austrian residents in China. 



[sd.] Wang Kvvang-chi. 



No. 39. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to ihe Chinese Minister at Copenhagen' 
[ Telegram — Trans lalion . ] 

Peking, 31st day, Sth month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 31, 1917.] 
According to reports Minister Sh;n and his suite will not be 
permitted by the Austrian Government to leave until it has received 
a definite reply from the former Austrian Minister at Peking, and the 
terms for the departure of the Chinese residents in Austria are the 
same. It has been decided that Mr. Rosthorn and the 
members of his staff will leave Shanghai on September 15th by the 
Dutch steamer Oranje for home, and safe-conducts have been obtained 
from various countries, and Austrian residents are also permitted to 
return home. The Austrian Government seems to treat Minister 
Shell as a hostage. This treatment cannot for a moment be tolerated. 
Please ascertain the facts and request the Danish Government to 
protest strongly against it and arrange for the early departure of 
Minister Shen. Please keep Minister Shen informed. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



No. 40. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[ L eiier—Tra nslation. ] 

September 10, 1917. 

Sir, 

I have the honor to inform your Excellency that on the 30th 
ultimo your representative announced tome in person that the Chinese 



THE RECALL 'OF CHINESE MINISTERS. 



— 3i — 
Government, having received information to the effect that the 
Chinese Minister at Vienna had been prevented from leaving the 
territory of the Dual Monarchy, desired vigorously to protest against 
the said illegal detention and to demand that the Chinese Minister be 
immediately permitted to leave the territory of Austria-Hungary and 
that his journey home should not be further obstructed. 

Pursuant to your request, I inquired of the Austrian capital 
by telegraph ; and also, of my own motion, forwarded the information 
that the Chinese Government had not neglected its duties toward the 
former Austrian Minister, His Excellency von Rosthorn. 

I am now in receipt of telegraphic instructions from my Govern- 
ment to notify your Excellency that the Chinese Minister at Vienna has 
declared that all the reports that he was detained, were not 
authorized by him and were untrue ; that the said Minister at Vienna 
receives most respectful treatment, and proposes to request the Royal 
Government of Denmark to forward this message to the Chinese 
Government, etc. Furthermore, the Danish Minister to Austria- 
Hungary has stated that the report in question could not have 
originated fiom any source for which he was responsible. 

Having duly inquired about and cleared up the matter, it seems 
that the concern which your Excellency entertained for Minister Shen 
was the result of incorrect information. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 



No. 41. 

The Chinese Minister at Copenhagen lo the Minister of Foreign Affairs- 
[ Telegram — Translation.'] 

Copenhagen, nth day, 9th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[September ir, 1917.] 
I trust that my telegram of the bth instant has reached the 
Ministry. I have just received from the Danish Foreign Office a 
copy of a telegram sent by the Danish Legation at Vienna, in which 
I notice the protest which you have lodged. According to the state- 
ment of Minister Shen, there was no detention of him as hostage ; the 
German Government has already promised to issue safe-conduct; 
preparation for departure is being m ade, etc. 

[sd.] Yen Hui-ching. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 32- 
No, 42. 

Thi Minister of Foreign Ajfairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 
[Letter — Translation]. 

Peking, 12th day, 9th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[September 12, 1917.] 
Sir, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
Sept. 10, in which it is stated as follows : 

Regarding the report that Minister Shen at Vienni has not 
left Austria, I have inquired at the Austrian Capital by telegraph. 
No* I am in receipt of a reply by telegraph from my Government to 
the effect that the Chinese Minister now at Vienna receives most 
respectful treatment ; that^the former report that the said Minister 
has been detained was untrue, and I have instructions to forward 
this information to your Excellency, etc. 

According to International Law, when two nations have declared 
war on eacli other, the Minister of the enemy country should be 
immediately allowed to leave the country to which he was accredited. 
The delay in the departure of the Austrian Minister, von Rosthorn 
from Peking, is due entirely to waiting for a steamer. The Chinese 
Minister to Austria-Hungary could if permitted leave Austrian territory 
by train at any time. There is no need of waiting for steamer. Yet the 
departure of the Chinese Minister has not been effected. We desire 
to know the reason therefor. Accordingly, we renew our protest here- 
with, and request your Excellency urgently to telegraph to the 
Austrian Government to permit Minister Shen to leave Austria 
immediately. We sincerely hope that your Excellency will be pleased 
to notify us of the reason why Minister Shen was unable to leave 
Austrian territory at an earlier date. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



THE RECALL OF CHINESE MINISTERS. 

— 33 — 
No. 43. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Minister hi Copenhxgm 
[Telegram — Translation.'] 

Peking, 14th day, 9th month, 
6th year of the Republic 
[September 14, 1917.] 
Your tetegram of the nth received. Since Minister Shen is not 
detained, why does he remain ? Please forward out inquiry and send 
reply ; also urge him to leave Austria immediately in order to avoid 
mischievous gossip. According to the information of the Netherlands 
Minister, our students and residents in Germany and Austria-Hungary 
have been given libsrty to leave those countries respectively. The 
Government is much concerned to learn the exict state of affairs. 
Await urgent leply by telegraph. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 

No. 44. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs 
[Letter — Translation.] 

Peking, Septemher 14, 1917. 
Sir: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 

12th instant regarding the matter that Minister Shen has not yet left 
Austria-Hungary. 

In reply 1 beg to say that the contents of your letter have 
received my attention. The safe-conduct for which Minister Shen 
applied to the Austrian Government has already been granted 
by the German Government through the request of the Austrian 
Government. The Danish Minister at Vienna has also been notified 
of the same. 

I have forwarded to the Austrian Government the information 
that the former Austrian Minister, von Rosthorn, vvill in a day or so 
proceed on his journey to Austria-Hungary. 

It is reported that Minister Shen has requested the Austrian 
Government to give notice eight or ten days in advance of the 
date to be set for his departure from Austria. Since it is now known 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 34 — 
that the Austrian Government offers no objection to the departure 
of the said Minister from Austria, I am of the opinion that the 
departure of the said Minister from Vienna will take place in a day 

•or so. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd ] Beelaertsvan Blokland. 

No. 45. 

The 'Danish Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note— Translation . ] 

Sunday, Sept. i'6", 1917. 

Sir: 

I have the honor to bring to the notice of your Excellency a 

telegram which I have just received from the Minister of Foreign 
Affairs of my home Government, which reads as follows: 

"Please communicate to the Chinese Government the following 
telegram received from the D.mim Legation at Vienna: 'To-day. 
the Austrian Foreign Minister informed me that on the score of 
reciprocity, Chinese citizens are allowed freely to leave the Dual 
Monarchy via Switzerland, or if they prefer, they may remain 
temporarily to continue their occupations without being interned. 
Please inform the Chinese Government.' " 

Yesterday, Saturday, I delivered at the Wai Chiao Pu a 
telegram upoa the same subject, and I shall be obliged if you will 

acknowledge the receipt of these two telegrams. 

* 
I avail, etc. 

[sd.] P. Ahlefeldt-Laurvig. 

(lnclosnre.) 
Tlu Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Danish Legation 

at Peking. 
[Telegram— Translation.'] 

The Legation of Denmark, Peking: 

Please communicate to the Chinese Government the following 
telegram received from the Danish Legation at Vienna :— 

"The Minister of Foreign Affairs here has received through 
Holland the following telegram from the Chinese Minister of Foreign 
Affairs:- "We have learned that the Chinese Minister has been 
detained at Vienna ; we protest and request that he be permitted to 
leave without delay. The Minister of Austria-Hungary is treated 
here with every consideration and we are not afraid of any difficulty 
in securing safe-conduct for him." The Chinese Minister here, having 



THE RECALL OF CHINESE MINISTERS. 

— 35 — 
learned of the above, requests me emphatically to contradict the said 
report to the Chinese Government, and adds that the Government of 
Austria-Hungary has treated him with all possible consideration and 
has secured for him a safe-conduct to travel across Germany. This 
Legation has to-day received from the Minister, of Foreign Affairs here 
the following note : "Referring to the note verbale of last August 
delivered by the Royal Legation of Denmark, the Imperial and 
Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs has the honor to inform the Royal 
Legation that the Imperial German Government consents on principle 
to give free passage through Germany to the former Chinese Minister 
to Vienna and his suite as well as their baggage." The details for the 
departure of the Chinese Minister here are now being arranged. As 
soon as all preparations are concluded, this Legation will telegraph." 

[sd] "Scavenius." 

"Minister of Foreign Affairs. " 
_____ 

The Chinese Minister to Austria-Hungary to the Minister 

of Foreign. Affairs. 

[Telegram— Translation.] 

Copenhagen, 30th day, 9th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[September 30, 1917.] 
YVai Chiao Pu: 

My staff and self started from Vienna on the 27th instant 
Austrian Government prepared train and despatched official to escort 
us to Warnemiinde. Passing through German territory, the 
highest consideration was accorded us. Last night, we safely 
arrived at the Danish capital. Your concern may be relieved. Will 
telegraph the rest later. 

[sd] Shen Shui-ling. 

No. 47, 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 
[Note — Translation . ] 

Peking, 4th day, 10th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[October 4, 1917.] 
Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note dated August 16th, in which Your Excellency informed me that 



mill 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

- 36 - 
according to a telegram received from the German Government, it is 
stated that the German Government appreciates the kind treatment 
which the Chinese Government has accorded German subjects residing 
in China and is willing to reciprocate by giving every facility to those 
Chinese students in Germany who wish to leave, etc., etc. 

Upon receipt of the above communication I immediately tele- 
graphed instructions to the Chinese Ministerat Copenhagen to instruct 
all the Chinese students to leave Gernany.and Belgium accordingly. 
I am now in receipt of a telegraphic reply from the said Minister 
saying that in the reply from the Danish Foreign Office it is stated 
that the German Government has not allowed the Chinese students 
liberty to leave Germany. Moreover, in a note from the Swedish 
Foreign office, it is also stated that the German Government has 
given no permission to the Chinese students to leave Germany or 
Belgium, etc. This report is obviously in conflict with your previous 
note in which Your Excellency declared that the German Government 
would not place any obstruction in the way of those Chinese students 
who wish to leave German territory. I am unable to reconcile 
this coflict. Therefore I have the honor to request that Your 
Excellency will communicate with the German Government by 
telegraph, urging that those Chinese students who desire to leave 
Germany or Belgium, be immediately given their safe-conducts in 
order to facilitate their departure. I shall be glad to have Your 
Excellency's favorable reply. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



No. 48. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Sole — Translation.] 

Peking, October 6th 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note of the 4th inst, requesting me to apply to the German Govern- 
ment by telegraph for safe-conducts for those Chinese students who 
desire ro leave Germany and Belgium. 

In reply. I have the honor to ftate that on the 3rd inst , upon a 
verbal request of Your Excellency's delegate I have already tele- 
graphed to the German Government inquiring whether the latter will 



THE RE CALL OF CHINESE 'MINISTERS. 

— 37 — 
permit the Chinese students to leave the territories of Germany and 
Belgium. As soon as the reply reaches me, I shall send it to Your 
Excellency. 

As to the disagreement between the declaration I made in my 
Note of August 16th and the report from the Chinese Minister at 
Copenhagen, it is, of course, impossible for me to give any explanation 
before I receive a reply from the Ge r man Government. It should be 
noticed that the declaration which -I made was based on a telegram 
sent by the German Government at a time when China had not yet 
declared war on Germany. 

I avail, etc ; 

[sd] Beelae'rts van Blokland. 



The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 

[ Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, 24th day, 10th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[October 24, 1917] 
Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note of the nth inst, stating that ■on the 3rd inst. in compliance with 
a verbal request of this Ministry's delegate, Your Excellency 
telegraphed to the German Government inquiring whether the latter 
would permit the Chinese students to leave the territories of Germany 
and Belgium, and that Your Excellency will inform me as soon as the 
reply shall have been received, etc. 

I am deeply concerned over the fact that a reply has not 
yet come. Therefore, I beg to renew my request that Your 
Excellency will again communicate with the German Government by 
telegraph in order to enable our students to leave Germany and 
Belgium forthwith. If the German Government is purposely making 
difficulty in the matter, I regret to say, that it would lie hard to 
expect China to show as great interest as before in making arrange- 
ments for the German residents in China to return home. Trusting 
that Your Excellency will favor me with a reply, I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



Concerning the Departure of the German and 
Austrian Diplomatic Officials. 



DEPARTURE OE THE GERMAN DIPLOMATIC OFFICIALS. 

- 39 — 

No, 50. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners of Foreign 
Affairs for the various Provinces. 

{Telegram — Translation.'] 

Peking, 13th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 13, 1917.] 
Diplomatic relations. with Germany are about to be broken off. 
As soon as the breach is proclaimed all German Consuls in 
China shall cease to officiate as such. Commissioners of Foreign 
Affairs shall furnish them as well as the members of their Consulates 
and their families with passports to leave this country and shall 
inform the local Authorities of the places through which they intend 
to travel that they must be given proper protection until they shall 
have left the country. They shall leave within 48 hours after they 
receive notice of the breach. When passports are delivered such 
particulars as the names and titles and the number of those who are 
leaving with the Consul should be ascertained and telegraphed to the 
Ministry so that safe-conducts may be requested for them from the 
Allied Powers, The necessary passports shall be in the following 
form : — 

"In accordance with instructions received from the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs, this is to request and require all local .Authorities 

concerned both military and civil, to allow M Consul 

for China, together with the Members of his Consulate 

and their families to leave the country without let or hindrance and 
to render them proper and necessary protection." 

With regard to their route of travel, Consuls should be consulted 
and when that is decided upon suitable preparations for their travel 
should be made beforehand and a report be telegraphed to this 
Ministry. 

Germans who are acting as Consuls for other countries, and 
subjects of other countries acting as Consuls for Germany need only 
cease to officiate as such ; no passports shall be given to them. 

[Seal] Wai Chiao Pu. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 40 — 

No. 51. 

'The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note — Translation . ] 

Peking, March 16, 1917. 
Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to call Your Excellency's attention to .the fact 
that the German Consul at Tsinanfu has been notified by the local 
authorities that he and his staff should leave the city within 48 hours. 
During my interview with Your Excellency on the 14th instant I 
protested orally that the said time limit was too short and contrary 
to the iules of international courtesy and practice. Therefore, I 
hereby earnestly request Your Excellency to give instructions to the 
authorities concerned to reconsider the question and extend the time 
limit which has been fixed until the said Consul and his staff have 
completed their preparations either to return to their own country 
or to go elsewhere. 

If German Cousuls at other ports have been given a similar. short, 
time limit I have the honor further to request that the present case 
be taken as a precedent. 

With regard to the German Consulate at Tsinanfu I have re- 
quested Your Excellency to allow the Clerk Prehls to remain at 
Tsinanfu to look after the Consulate archives. This arrangement will 
not be detrimental to China's interests neither will it lead to any 
unforeseen event. 

I avail etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 



No. 52. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners of Foreign 
Affairs for the various Provinces. 

[ Telegram — Translation.'] 

Peking, 16th clay, 3rd month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[March 16, 1917.] 

Regarding the departure of the German Consuls, if the said 

consul or consuls request an extention of the original time limit of 48 

hours on the ground of necessity, you may concede this according to 

the circumstances. The date of their departure is still to be reported 

to the Ministry by telegraph. 

[Seal] Wai Chiao Pu. 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN DIPLOMATIC OFFICIALS. 

— 41 — 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Note — Translation . ] 

Peking, March 18th, 1917. ■ 
Your Excellency: 

It appears to me that since China severed her diplomatic 
relations with Germany, not all the officials in charge of foreign 
affairs in the various provinces have been familiar with international 
usage or with international law so as to take proper procedure with 
reference to the German Consular officers. Therefore, the high purpose 
of Your Excellency has not been attained. 

In order to avoid the violation of usages observed for centuries in 
/the relations of civilized peoples I have the honor to request 
Your Excellency to call the attention of these officials to the fact 
that the German Consuls and members of the German Consulates 
and their families, so long as they remain on the territory of the 
Republic should be treated as guests of the Nation ; that 
every facility should be given them in order to assist them to 
return to their own country ; and that they should not be compelled 
to travel through the territories of countries now at war with Ger- 
many. Naturally there can be no question of passing over such 
territory unless an absolute safe-conduct has been previously granted 
by these belligerent countries. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

No. 54. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners oj 
Foreign Affairs for the various Provinces. 

[ Telegram — Translation . ] 

Peking, 18th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 18, 1917.] 
Trust you have received our telegram of the 16th. 
Regarding the issue of safe-conducts to German Consuls, we have 
already applied to the Ministers of the Allied countries who 
are now consulting their respective Governments by telegraph. As 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 42 — 
soon as they have secured the approval of their Governments 
by telegraph, they will order their consuls at various ports to 
issue safe-conducts. Photographs of the German Consuls and their 
suites must be attached to the safe-conducts. Please notify the 
German Consul of this beforehand. 

[Seal.] Wai Chiao Pu 



tio. 55. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Ministers 
at Washington, Tokyo, London and Paris. 

[Telegram — Translation.] 

Peking, 19th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March, 19, 1917. ] 

The German Minister has decided to sail for Rotterdam by a Dutch 
steamer via japan and America. With regard to the required "Sauf 
Conduit" I have already requested the British, American, French 
and Japanese Ministers to request their Governments to issue the 
same. As the the number of German Consuls at various ports is large 
and they are far away from Peking they cannot leave in one party. It 
ill be impracticable for them to procure "Sauf Conduits" directly from 
the various Ministers. Please request the Foreign Office [to allow 
the German Minister and Consular officials to travel through its 
territory safely and]* to authorize its Minister at Peking to instruct its 
consuls at the various ports to issue on the spot the required "Sauf 
Conduits" to German Consuls. This arrangement will prevent delay 
and trouble. This matter being pressing please act promptly and reply 
by telegraph most urgently. 

[sd] Wu Ting-fang. 



w 



"Inserted in the telegrams to Their Excellencies Cluing Chung- 
hsiang and Koo Vyi-kuin Chinese Ministers at Tokyo and Washington 
respectively. 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN* DIPLOMATIC OFFICIALS. 

— 43 '■ — 

Mo. 56. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners of Foreign 

Affairs for the various Provinces [excepting the Three Eastern 

Provinces and Yunnan.) 

[ Telegram — Translation.'] 

Peking, 22nd day, 3rd month. 
6th year of the Republic, 
[March 22, 1917.] 
Regarding the safe-conducts for German Consuls, the Japanese 
and the French Ministers have received instructions from their 
respective Governments authorizing them to instruct by telegraph 
their Consuls at various ports to issue the same. The British and 
American Ministers have not yet- heard from their Govern- 
ments, but they will also instruct their Consuls to issue the same as 
soon as replies shall have been received. Please arrange forthwith 
with , the consuls concerned to issue the safe-conducts at an 
early date so as to enable the German consuls to leave 
without delay. If the German Consul at your port cannot wait 
for the safe-conduct, he may go to Shanghai to get it, but the local 
Commissioner of Foreign Affairs should issue to him a certificate 
with the Consul's photograph attached thereto. This certificate 
will be handed to the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at Shanghai 
who will certify its genuineness before the Consuls concerned where- 
upon a safe-conduct will be issued. A certificate from the Netherlands 
Consul at Shanghai may also be accepted. Further, the German 
Minister has decided to depart for America from Woosung on the 26th 
inst. by the Dutch Steamer " Rembrandt"; German Consuls may 
take the same steamer with the Minister. Please inform the German 
Consul at vour port . 

[Seal.] Wai Chiao Pu. 

$0. 57. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Acting Minister of the Interior. 

[Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, 22nd day, 3rd month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[March 22, 191 7.] 
Sir : 

By the Presidential Order of the 14th of the 3rd month, 
diplomatic relations between China and Germany have been severed. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



- 44 — 
The German Minister at Peking, Admiral von Hintze, and the Lega- 
tion staff, together with their families will leave Peking by a special 
train on the 24th day of the yd month at 8 a.m. They will pass 
through Tsi-nan, Pu-kow, and Nanking eh route to Shanghai where 
they will board a steamer for Germany, I have the honor to 
request that vou instruct all the local officials along the route to pay 
special attention to giving them protection, and instruct the 
chiefs of police at Tientsin and Nanking to send detachments of 
' police to the railway stations for the purpose of rendering all neces- 
sary services. From Pukow to Nanking, it is necessary to provide 
a special detachment of police to act as escort. 

I have etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 

[Notes :— The Minister of trie Interior replied stating that 
telegrams had already been sent out instructing the local officials 
along the route to give due protection, etc. 

Afterwards, another letter was written to the Minister of the 
Interior informing him that the time of departure of the German 
Minister had been changed to the 25th of the 3rd month at 6 p.m,] 



No 58. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioner of Foreign 
Affairs at Shanghai. 
[Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, 22nd day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 22, 1917] 

Sir : ,-.-■•. 

Diplomatic relations between China and Germany, having 
been severed, the German Minister at Peking, Admiral von Hintze, and 
suite together with their families will leave Peking on the 24th of the 
3rd month to go to Shanghai where they will board the Dutch 
steamer "Rembrandt " for the United States. 

Please reserve a special steam-boat for conveying the said Minister 
and party to Woosung. In case the German Minister and party wish 
to use their own steam-boat then you will instruct the escorting officer 
to use the special steam-boat to escort the party to the steamer. 

I have, etc, 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN DIPLOMATIC OFFICIALS. 

— 45 ~ 

No. 59. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioner of Foreign 
Affairs at Shanghai. 

[ Telegram — Translation.] 

Peking, 23rd day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 23 1917.] 
Your telegram of the 22nd received. The Dutch steamer will 
reach Woosung on the morning of the 27th. The German Minister 
and suite together with their families, numbering altogether 27 
persons, will leave Peking on the 25th by a special train, and will 
reach Woosung on the morning of the 27th. Please reserve a steam- 
boat at Woosung for the purpose of conveying them to the Dutch 
steamer. 

[sd.] Wu Ting- fang. 



No. 60. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to. the Netherlands Minister at Peking 
[Note — Translation.] 

Peking, 24th day 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 24, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Ex- 
cellency's Note to the following effect : 

As all German Consuls in China are about to return to their own 
country and their affairs have been entrusted to the Netherlands 
Consulates in China, it is of great importance that certain subordinate 
officials of the German Consulates be retained to assist the Nether- 
lands officials in handling German affairs which are burden- 
some and numerous. At important places where there are German 
Consulates but no Netherlands Consulates, one German subordinate 
official should be retained to look after the archives of the German 
Consulate on the one hand and on the other hand to keep in touch 
with and give advice to the German residents and also to make reports 
on the situation to the Netherlands officials in China. This arrange- 
ment should be most satisfactory. Such German subordinate 
officials, who will have no independent positions of their own, shall 
only act in obedience to the instructions of the Netherlands officials 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

-. 46 - 
who at the same time shall be responsible for their conduct. I » 
propose this arrangement in the hope that it will meet with Your 
Excellency's approval. I beg to enclose herewith a list of the said 
officials of the German Consulates in China for whose retention I 
have the honor to request Your Excellency's approval and for whose 
good behaviour I shall assume full responsibility, etc. 

In reply I have the honor to state that the arrangement has my 
approval since as stated in Your Excellency's note it is to assist the 
work of the Netherlands authorities and Your Excellency has under- 
taken to be responsible for the good behaviour of the Germans. Eut 
the Germans so retained should be employed to keep the archives only 
and in no case may they exercise their former authority. To 
allow them from time to time keep in touch with and offer advice 
to Germans in places where there are no Netherlands Consulates 
is apt to give rise to local misunderstanding and on this account I am 
obliged to request Your Excellency to give further consideration to 
that point. 

I avail,, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 

m. 6i. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioner of Foreign 
Affairs at Shanghai. 

[Telegram — Translation.] 

Peking. 24th day, 3rd mouth, 
fith year of the Republic. 
[March 24, 1917.] 

With regard to the British safe-conducts required by the German 
Consuls at the various ports, the British Minister here has wired 
instruction to the British Consul at Shanghai to issue them. Please, 
obtain the same from the British Consul-General and hand them to 
the German Consuls through the medium of the Netherlands Consul- 
General. Further, the German Minister has decided to leave Peking 
to-morrow afternoon at 6 o'clock by a special train and will arrive at 
Woosungon the :27th inst. at 9 a.m. Please take notice accordingly. 

[Seal.] Wai Chiao Pu. 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN DIPLOMATIC OFFICIALS. 

_ 47 .!_ 

No. 62, 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners of Foreign 

Affairs of the various Provinces (excepting the Three 

Eastern Provinces and Yunnan). 

[Telegram — Translation.] 

Peking, 25th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 

[March 25, 1917.] 
Regarding the safe-conducts for German Consuls, the French 
Minister has already instructed by telegraph the French Consuls at 
the different ports to issue them. The British and American Ministers 
have consented to instruct their Consuls at Shanghai to do the same. 
In view of the fact that the German Consuls at Chefoo, Amoy, Swatow 
and Canton, have to travel by steamer to Shanghai, Japan has pro- 
mised that they will receive their safe-conducts from the respective 
Japanese Consulates at those ports. As to other German Consuls, safe- 
conducts will be issued by the Japanese Consul-General at Shanghai. All 
the British, French, American and Japanese Consuls at the different 
ports have been duly instructed by their respective Ministers in the 
above sense. [Please secure these safe-conducts from the different Con- 
sulates at Shanghai on the arrival of the German Consuls from the 
different ports, and arrange with the Netherlands Consul-General 
beforehand.] Note: — The above to be. inserted in telegram to the 
Shanghai Commissioner only. 

Photographs must be attached to the safe-conducts according to 
the number of persons holding the same. Please advise the German 
Consuls to have them ready accordingly. 

[Seal] Wai Chiao Pu. 

No. 63. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister 

at. Peking. 

[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, 28th day, 3rd month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[March 28, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I am in receipt of Your Excellency's note of the 18th inst. in 

which Your Excellency requests me to give instructions to the 

officials in charge of foreign affairs in the various provinces to 

facilitate the return home of. the German Consuls, members of the 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

_- 4 8 - 

Consulates, and their families, and to refrain from pressing them to 
pass through the territories of countries at war with Germany, etc. 

In reply I beg to state that since the severance of diplomatic 
relations between China and Germany I have on many occasions 
instructed all the Commissioners of Foreign Affairs of the various pro- 
vinces to give proper assistance to the German Consuls, their staffs 
and families, and I have also requested all the foreign Ministers con- 
cerned in Peking to ask their Governments for permission to issue to 
the said Consuls safe-conducts in order that they may take passage 
without hindrance. As to the route of travel, it is entirely left to the 
choice of the said Consuls and nothing has been done to compel them 
to pass through the territories of countries now at war with 

Germany. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 



No. 64. 

The American Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note—Copv.] 

March 29, 1917. 

Excellency : 

I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I have received 

a telegraphic instruction from the Department of State, directing me 

to inform Your Excellency that my Government considers it important 

to have all German consular officers in China, who desire to proceed 

to Germany via the United States, assemble with their families at 

Shanghai and take passage in one vessel to the United States. 

Safe-conducts will be issued to them at Shanghai. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Paul S. Reinsch. 



No. 65. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners of Foreign 

Affairs of the various Provinces, (excepting Yunnan, the Three 

Eastern Provinces, Szechuan and Shantung). 

[ Telegram — Translation.] 

Peking, 30th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 30, 1917.] 
This Ministry is in receipt of a letter from the American Minister 
stating that he is instructed by his Government to inform us that all 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN DIPLOMATIC OFFICIALS. 

— 49 — 
German Consular Officials who desire to return to Germany via 
America should assemble with their families at Shanghai and take 
passage in one vessel to the United States and that safe-conducts will 
be issued at Shanghai. Please notify the German Consul at your 
port to act accordingly. 

[Seal] Wai Chiao Pu. 

No. 66. 

The Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at Shanghai to the Minister 
of Foreign Affairs. 

[Despatch — Translation.} 

Shanghai, 30th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 30, 19 ty.] 
Your Excellency : 

I beg to report to Your Excellency of the safe departure of the 
German Minister on board a Dutch steamer. 

The former German Minister to China, Admiral von Hintze, and suite 
together with their families safely arrived at Shanghai on the 27th 
instant. On the same day, at 8 A.M. they went to Woosung by train, 
and at 5 P.M the Dutch steamer by which they took passage, set sail. 
A statement in the handwriting of the German Minister to testifv to 
his departure was duly procured. Besides causing the said statement 
to be carefully kept on file, I beg to enclose a copy of the same for 
Your Excellency's perusal. 

I have, etc. 
Inciosure: as stated. [sd.] Chu Chao-hsin. 

(Inclosure — Statement of Admiral von Hintze.) 
[Copy.] 

Mr. Chen, Secretary to the Special Commissioner of Foreign 
Affairs, has been in charge of the arrangements at Woosung during 
my stay here. He has acquitted himself of these duties with proper 
courtesy and thoughtfulness, which at his request, I am glad to state 
herewith. 

[sd.] von Hintze. 
Woosung, March 27, 1917. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 5° — 

m. 67. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Letter — Translation.] 

Peking, April 6th, 1917. 
Your Excelleney : 

■ As regards the safe-conduct issued by the Chinese Ministry 
of Foreign Affairs for the return to Germany of His Excellency von 
Hintze, the German Minister at Peking, with his suite, etc., it is 
understood that its effect is limited to a voyage for a Dutch port via 
the United States of America. Now, I have received a telegram 
from Washington, D. C. stating that under the present conditions 
American steamers for Holland will for the time being be closed to 
passengers. Therefore, Mr. von Hintze and his suite, etc., being 
unable to proceed by way of Holland, must necessarily return home 
via Sweden, Norway and Denmark. So I have the honor to request 
your Excellency that the wording of the said safe-conduct be so 
mended as to cover the ports of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. 
And as the cabins on steamers must be reserved beforehand, I have 
the honor to request that Your Excellency will be good enough to 
favor me with an immediate reply. 

I have, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 



No. 68. 

The Minister of Foreign A fairs to the American Minister at Peking. 
[Letter — Translation.] 

Peking, 6th day, 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[April 6, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I am in receipt of a telegram .from the Civil Governor of Kuang- 
tung stating that the German consuls at Canton and Pakhoi will 
start for Shanghai this day by S. S. "Kuangli" via Hongkong. I 
shall be obliged if Your Excellency will at once telegraph instructions 
to the American Consul at Canton to issue to the said German consuls 
safe-conducts from Canton to Shanghai. 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN DIPLOMATIC OFFICIALS. 



— 5* — 
With regard to the safe-conducts for travelling from Shanghai to 
Europe via the United States required by the said German consular 
officials, I beg further to request that Your Excellency instruct the. 
American Consul-General at Shanghai to issue the same. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 

No. 69. 

The American Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Letter — Copy.] 

Peking, April 7, 1917. 
Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
Note of yesterday's date, requesting rne to instruct the American 
Consul General at Canton to issue safe-conducts for the German 
Consuls at Canton and Pakhoi to proceed from Canton to Shanghai 
and further requesting me to instruct the American Consul at Shang- 
hai to issue safe-conducts for the said Consuls to travel from Shanghai 
to Europe via the United States. 

Although I consider that the two German Consuls concerned will 
be in no danger of molestation on the way from Canton to Shanghai, 
I am telegraphing to the Consul-General at Canton as requested to 
issue a safe-conduct for the said consuls as far as Shanghai. I am 
unable, however, to instruct the Consul at Shanghai to issue any 
more safe-conducts to Germans wishing to proceed to Europe 
through the United States. I would suggest, _ therefore, that the 
German Consuls at Canton and Pakhoi alter their plans and arrange 
to proceed to Europe by some other route. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd ] Paul S. Reinsch. 

No. 70. 

The Commissioner of Foreign. Affairs at Shanghai to the Minister 

of Foreign Affairs. 

[Report — Translaiio n . ] 

Shanghai, 9th day, qth month, 
6th year of the Republic. 

[April 9, 1917,] 
1 our Excellency : 

The German Consular officials at Shanghai, Tientsin, 
Nanking, Hankow, Tsinan, Chefoo, Mukden and Amoy, together with 



- - ' -- 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 52 — 
their families totalling forty-seven persons, on the 9th instant at 11 
am. boarded a train from Shanghai for Woosung where they took a 
steam launch to go on board the Datch Mail ship, S.S. '•Goentoer," 
which set sail at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. 

This Bureau has secured from them a written statement setting 
forth that they left the country safely. The original of the statement 
'is kept on file in this Bureau. A copy and a Chinese translation 
thereof, together with a list of the Germans who left the countrv, are 
hereby submitted for Your Excellency's perusal and preservation of 
record. 

I have, etc. 

[sd.] Chu Chao-hsin.- 



Enclosures : as stated. 

(Inclosure— Statement of Dr. Voretzsch.) 

[Copy.] 

Woosung, 9th April, 1917. 
Dear Mr. Chen, 

I write to thank you for the arrangements you made for the 1st 
German Consular transport from Shanghai to Woosung and from 
there to the steamer. Every thing you did was most considerate and 
very much appreciated by myself and the whole party. 

Believe me, \ 

Yours sincerely, 

[sd.] E. A. Voretzsh, 
German Consul and Chief of 
the Transport. 
S. K. Chen, Esq. 

Secretary to Commissioner 
of Foreign Affairs, 
Shanghai. 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN DIPLOMATIC OFFICIALS. 

— 53 — 

(Inclosure) 

LIST 

■of the German Consular Officials and their families who are leaving 

Shanghai for Germany by Dutch S. S. "Goentosr" on the 8th April, 

1917. 

Hankow. 

Consul, Dr. Ernst Arthur Voretzsch. 
Mrs Anna Martha Voretzsch. 
Ansetraut Voretzsch. 
Nurse, Elisabeth Hauptmann. 
Interpreter, Wilhelm Stoller. 
Assistant, Richard Lueneburg 
Assistant, Paul Stark. 

Shanghai. 
Consul, Oskar Scholz. 
Chancellor, Max Leopold Schaller. 
Secretary, Edmund Hafen. 
Mrs. Gertrud Hafen. 
Luise Hafen. 
Consular Physician, Dr. Krieg. 

Tientsin. 
Consul, Dr. Fritz Wendschuch. 
Commercial-Attache, Hermann Gipperich. 
Mrs. Agnes Gipperich. 
Hertha Gipperich. 
Gerhard Gipperich. 
Interpreter, August Balser. 
Mrs. Maria Balser. 

Karl August Balser. 
Helmut Balser. 
Chancellor, Paul Scharffenberg. 

Mrs. Hilde Scharffenberg. 
Assistant, Maximilian Krippendorf. 
Assistant, Carl Schulze. 
Nanking. 
Vice-Consul, Ernst Foerster. 
Interpreter, Georg Scheffler, 
Secretary, Heinrich Kanter. 
Mrs. Anna Kanter. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO fHE WAR. 

— 54 — 
Tsinanfu. 

Consul, Dr. Heinrich Betz. 
Mrs. Elsa Betz. 
Eugen Betz. 
Rolf Betz. 
Marie Betz. 
Nurse, Hertha Mowitz. 
Interpreter, Fritz Holzhauer 

Amoy 
Consul, Dr. Constantin Merz. 
Mrs. Maria Merz. 
Miss Margarete Merz. 
Mukden. 
Secretary, Hugo Witte. 

Mrs. Anna Maria Witte. 

Siegfried Wilhelm Witte. 
Chef oo. 
Consul, Dr. Philipp Lenz. 
Interpreter, Martin Fischer. 
Assistant, Jahn Christains. 

l-chang. 
Acting Consul, Dr. Enno Bracklo. 

No, 71. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign A fairs. 
[Letter — Translation.] 

Peking, April 13, 191 7. 
Excellency : 

In my note of the 6th instant I had the honor to state that His 
Excellency von Hintze, the German Minister and his suite must pass 
through the United States and some neutral countries in Europe in 
order to arrive in Germany, and that the existing conditions have 
rendered sailings between America and European neutral countries 
Infrequent and uncertain. 

It is understood that the safe-conduct issued to M. von Hintze 
by Your Excellency as specified therein is valid for a period of only 
two months. In view of the circumstances mentioned above, this 
limited period seems hardly sufficient to insure the safe return to 
Germany of Admiral von Hintze, and thus the safe-conduct would 



DEPARTURE OP THE GERMAN DIPLOMATIC OFFICIALS. 



. — 5d — 
amount to, nothing more than a piece of waste paper. So I have 
the honor to request that Your Excellency will cancel the time limit 
specified in the safe-conduct for Admiral von Hintze and the other 
German officials. The German Government on learning of the 
effective cancellation of the time limit, would immediately issue 
passports as asked for by the Chinese Minister at Berlin. 

I have, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 



NO, 72. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Minister at Berlin. 

[ Telegram — Translation.] 
' Peking, 13th day, 4th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 
[April 13, 1917.] 
Your telegram of the nth received. The passports issued to the 
German Minister and his party by this Ministry on the 14th ult. are 
without any time limit. With regard to the British, French and 
American safe-conducts, we have already applied to those Govern- 
ments to cancel the original time limit so as to enable the German 
Minister and suite to land safely in Sweden, Norway or Denmark. 
The continued refusal of the German Government to issue passports 
to you and your staff, must be construed as detaining you as hostages. 
This is a flagrant violation of international law. Telegraphic instruc- 
tions have already been given to Charge Tchai to request the Danish 
Government to instruct by telegraph its Minister at Berlin to lodge a 
strong protest with the German Government and to demand the issue 
of your passports forthwith. Please co-operate with the Danish 
Minister accordingly. 

[sd.] VVu Ting-fang. 



No. 73, 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Ministers at London 

and Paris. 

[ Tekgram — Translation. ] 

Peking. 13th day, 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[April 13, 1917.] 
The German Minister with his suite and the German consuls succes- 
sively left this country on the 27th ult. and 9th instant. They all sailed 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

- 56 - 
from Shanghai and proceeded to Germany via America and. Holland. 
The required safe-conducts from the British, French and American 
Governments have been issued to them. This Ministry is now in 
receipt of a letter from the Netherlands Minister here stating that the 
steamers from America to Holland at present have suspended 
passenger traffic, that the German Minister and his party must travel 
via Sweden, Norway or Denmark and requesting us to consider means 
to extend the original safe-conducts so as to permit sailing for 
Swedish, Norwegian and Danish ports. Please immediately request 
the British [French] Government to issue orders to its navy to let 
the German Minister and his party safely land in Sweden, Norway 
or Denmark on the presentation of the aforementioned safe-conducts. 
The Netherlands Minister further states that on account of the war, 
there are fewer sailings from America to Europe than before, and that 
the German Minister might be delayed in America while waiting 
for a steamer and requests that the Governments concerned be 
requested to cancel the original time limit in the safe-conducts. 

The representations of the Netherlands Minister seem to be 
borne out by the facts. Please request the British [French] 
Foreign Office to cancel at once the original time limit, so as to 
enable the German Minister and his party safely to land in Sweden, 
Norway or Denmark, and to instruct the British [French] Ambassador 
at Washington by telegraph to issue a special certificate to the 
German Minister and his party through the medium of Minister Roo. 
Awaiting your telegraphic reply. 

[sd.] Wu Ting- tang. 



m. 74. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the British Charge and 
the French Minister at- Peking. 

[Letter — Translation. ] 

Peking, 14th day, 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[April 14, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

Sometime ago this Ministry requested \ 7 our Excellency to 
"request your Government to issue safe-conducts to the former German 
Minister at Peking, Admiral von Hintze, his legation staff and the 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN DIPLOMATIC OFFICIALS. 

— 57 — 
German consular officers, as well as their families, who were to return 
to Germany via America and Holland. I am now in receipt cf a 
letter from M. Beelaerts, the Netherlands Minister, in which he 
informs me that he has received a telegram from Washington stating 
that owing to present circumstances the steamers sailing from 
America to Holland have temporarily suspended their passenger 
traffic. For this reason, the former German Minister, his suite, and the 
Geiman consuls and their families are prevented from going via 
Holland and are now obliged to return to Germany by way of 
Sweden, Norway and Denmark. The Netherlands Minister therefore 
requests me to consider means to make the above safe-conduct equal- 
ly effective if the former German Minister and his party should pass 
through Sweden, Norway and Denmark, etc. 

In view of the representations of the Netherlands Minister 
which seem to be borne out by the facts, I beg that Your 
Excellency will be good enough to take the trouble promptly to 
telegraph to your Government asking that the necessary instructions 
be given to your navy to allow the former German Minister and his 
party to land in Sweden, Norway or Denmark upon presentation of 
the same safe-conducts. 

The Netherlands Minister further states that on account of the 
war there are fewer sailings from America to Europe than in normal 
times ; that after their arrival in America the former German 
Minister and party will probably be obliged to stay for sometime to 
wait for a steamer and that he therefore requests the Chinese Govern- 
ment to ask the various Governments concerned to cancel the 
original time limit as stated in the safe-conducts. This request seems 
to be reasonable (because the safe-conducts issued by your Govern- 
ment are only valid for two months and the time limit seems to be 
too short for the purpose) Note : The passage within the parenthesis 
was inserted in the letter to the British Legation. Therefore, I have the 
honor to request that Your Excellency will kindly ask your Govern- 
ment by telegraph to cancel the time limit which has been fixed, in 
order to enable the former German Minister and his party safely to 
reach Sweden, Norway or Denmark. I shall undertake to make 
known to the former German Minister von Hintze and his party that 
they should not delay in America without cause. 

I beg further to suggest that after the consent of your Govern- 
ment to the above requests shall have been given, your Government 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

-58- 

vvill instruct its Ambassador in America by telegraph to issue a 

special certificate to the former German Minister and his party 

through the medium of our Minister at Washington. 

Trusting that Your Excellency will favor me with an early reply, 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting- fang. 



No, 75, 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Minister at Washington. 

{Telegram — Translation.'] 

Peking, 14th day, 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[April 14, 1917.] 
The German Minister with his staff and the German consuls succes- 
sively left on the 27th. ult, and the 9th. inst. by Dutch steamers from 
Shanghai for Germany via America and Holland. Now owing to 
the temporary suspension of passenger traffic by steamers sailing from 
America to Holland they must change their route to go by way of 
Sweden, Norway or Denmark. Moreover they may be delayed in 
America for sometime waiting for a steamer. This Ministry has already 
requested the British and French Governments to cancel the time 
limit set in the safe-conducts, and to instruct by telegraph their 
ambassadors at Washington to issue to the German Minister and 
party special certificates for the change of route which certificates 
will be forwarded to them through you. 

As the American safe-conducts which the German Minister and 
his staff hold now are only valid as far as New York, please forthwith 
requests the American Government to issue to the German Minister 
and party new safe-conducts without time limit for travelling via 
Sweden, Norway or Denmark, which in ay also be forwarded them 
through you. 

I am informed that the Netherlands Minister here has already 
requested the Swiss Minister at Washington to consult the Am erican 
Government on all matters in connection with the return of the 
German Minister via America. Please communicate with the Swiss- 
Minister accordingly. Awaiting your telegraphic reply. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 

— 59 — 
NO. 76. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Swedish Minister at Peking. 
\_M emorandian — Translation.] 

Peking, 16th day. 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic . 
[April 16, 1917.] 
The former German Minister, His Excellency von Hintze, together 
with his staff and the German consuls originally intended to return £0 
Germany on board a steamer sailing from New York to Rotterdam, 
Holland. But, according to a recent letter received by this Ministry 
from the Netherla nds Minister the steamers sailing from America to 
Holland have temporarily suspended their passenger traffic. For 
this reason, the former German Minister, H. E. von Hintze and his 
party must disembark in Sweden, Norway or Denmark. The Minister 
of Foreign Affairs has the honor to request that H. E. the Swedish 
Minister will request his Government by telegraph to allow the 
former German Minister and party to land in his country. 

No. 77. 

The French Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[ L etter — • Translatio n . ] 

Peking, April 16th, 1917. 
Monsieur le Ministre : 

According to the letter which Your Excellency addressed to rrie 
on the 14th instant, the Chinese Government has assumed re- 
sponsibility for the change of route and the delay which the former 
German Minister at Peking, after his departure from China, has in 
the course of his journey declared to be necessary for his return to 
his country. 

I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I have without 
delay complied with the desire expressed by the Chinese Government 
and telegraphed to my Government so that the French Ambassador 
at Washington may be authorized to deliver a 'safe-conduct' to 
supplement and modify that which I have myself delivered. 

I have hastened all the more to telegraph to Pans regarding 
this matter because it appears from a statement which my Nether- 
lands colleague M. Beelaerts van Blokland has just made to rue, that 
the German Government in demanding from the Chinese Government 
facilities for changing the itinerary and prolonging the time limit 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 60 — 
prescribed for the former German Minister at Peking, has linked ttfis 
question with the liberation of the Chinese Minister who is being 
detained as hostage in Berlin in defiance of International Law. 

It appeared to me that the French Government should be in- 
formed as soon as possible of the outrage committed in that way 
against China by the German Government. 

Accept, etc. 

[sd] A. R. Conty. 



Mo. 78. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 
[ Letter— Translation . ] 

Peking, iSth day, 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
Opril 18; 1917.] 
Sir: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note of the 6th instant requesting that, as the former German Minister, 
H. E. von Hintze, and his party must take the route via Sweden, 
Norway or Denmark, the effect of the safe-conducts issued to them 
be extended to reach Sweden, Norway or Denmark. I beg further to 
acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's letter of the 13th 
instant requesting that, on account of the infrequency of sailings be- 
tween Europe and America, communication be had with the countries 
concerned with a view to the cancellation of the time limit as 
prescribed in the safe-conducts. 

In reply, I have the honor to state that this Ministry has already 
requested the Governments of Great Britain, France, and the United 
States of America to permit the former German. Minister, 
Mr. von Hintze, with his suite and family to land in Sweden, Norway, 
or Denmark with the same safe-conducts, and also for the cancella- 
tion of the time limit prescribed therein. But no reply has as yet 
been received. 

But I was greatly surprised in reading Your Excellency's note of 
the 13th instant in which it is stated that the German Government, 
on learning of the effective cancellation of the time limit prescribed 
in the safe-conducts, would then immediately issue passports to the 
Chinese Minister in Berlin as requested, etc. According to interna- 
tional usage, a Minister, being the representative of a State, should 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 

— 61 — 

at all times be accorded appropriate courtesies by the Government to 
which he is accredited, without being subjected to any vexation what- 
ever. Thus the Chinese Government has delivered to the former 
German Minister passports in accordance with the prevailing usage, 
and accorded him due protection upon his taking his departure far 
Germany. But the German Government, under the pretext that the 
time limit of the safe-conduct issued to the former German Minister 
is too short, refuses to issue passports to Mr. Yen, the Chinese Minister 
at Berlin, for his departure. Such a measure practically amounts to 
the detaining the Chinese Minister as a hostage, and is contrary to the 
law of nations — a measure not resorted to by any civilized nation. 
I, therefore, protest against this action and beg to request that Your 
Excellency will transmit the same by telegraph to the German 
Government, requesting that passports be immediately issued to 
Minister Yen and protection be accorded for his departure. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd] Wu Ting-fang. 

No. 79. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the British Charge at Peking. 
[Letter — Translation . ] 

Peking, iSth day, 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[April 18, 1917.] 
Sir: 

The former German Minister at Peking A dm. von Hintze, his 
legation staff, the German consular officers and their families origin- 
ally intended to return to Germany via America by taking a steamer 
at New York and landing at Rotterdam, Holland. Now according 
to a letter received from the Netherlands Minister, it is stated that 
the steamers, sailing from America to Holland have temporarily 
suspended their passanger traffic; therefore, Admiral von Hintze and 
his party must land in Sweden, Norway or Denmark. 

I shall be obliged if you will be good enough to request the 
Norwegian Government by telegraph to allow the former German 
Minister and his party to land in Norway from where they may pro- 
ceed to Germany. 

I have, etc. 

[sd] Wu Ting-fang. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 62 — 

No. 30. 

The Swedish Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note— Copy.] 

Peking, April 21st, 1917. 

Monsieur le Ministre: 

Referring to Your Excellency's note of 17th instant I have the 
honour to say, that the Swedish Government is pleased to give all 
aid and protection to Admiral von Hintze and party when passing 
through Swedish territory on their way to Germany. 

The Minister for Foreign Affairs instructs me to inform him if 
possible, when Admiral von Hintze is expected to arrive in Sweden. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd] GO. Wallenberg. 



No. 81. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 
[Memorandum — Translation.] 

Peking, 12th day, 5th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 

[May 12, 1917.] 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received a telegram dated the 
4th inst. from Mr. Koo, the Chinese Minister to the United States, 
which states as follows : 

" The former German Minister to China and party, totalling 
twenty-seven persons went on board the Dutch steamship " Ryndam " 
to-day at one o'clock p.m. and sailed for Rotterdam via Halifax. It 
was so arranged because the ship was unwilling to make a detour for 
Norway. 

" As regards the British and French safe-conducts which the 
former German Minister held, this Legation took them back from 
the Swedish Legation and sent the m to the British and the French 
Ambassadors to exchange for new ones. But the latter considered 
that there was no necessity for issuing new certificates since the route 
and the destination stated in the original safe-conducts still conform to 
the facts, and also the time limit fixed is still sufficient for the 
purpose. They simply visted the original safe-conducts and returned 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 



-63- 
them to this Legation, and we forwarded the same to the former 
German Minister through the Swedish Minister." 

The Ministry has the honor to bring the above communication to 
the knowledge of His Excellency the Netherlands Minister. 



m. 82, 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note — Translation . ] 

Peking, May 14, 1917. 
Your Excellency: 

With regard to the departure of the remaining German Officials 
from China I have been told by the American Minister that the 
American Government has consented to let them return to Germany 
via America in one party. 

Accordingly I have the honor to beg Your Excellency to 
communicate as soon as possible with the powers concerned with a 
view to obtaining for the German consular officers and for the German 
postal employees the safe conducts necessary to enable them to 
proceed without molestation to Germany either via America, or one of 
the Scandinavian countries, or the Netherlands, and without the safe 
conducts being limited to any definite period of time which would 
deprive them of any value when means of transportation are as 
uncertain as at present, Safe conducts have no value except where 
the persons who bear them are absolutely guaranteed that in spite of 
temporary interruptions in means of transportation they will 
experience nothing prejudical during the voyage. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd ] Beelaerts van Elokland. 

No 83. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioner of 
Foreign Affatrs at Shanghai. 
[ Telegram — Translation .] 

Peking, 16th day, 5th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[May 16, 1917] 

Your telegram of the 13th received. Regarding the departure of 
German consular and postal officials via America it has been approved 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



- 6.4 - 
by the American Gcn'ernment with the understanding that this will be 
the last time that such a facility can be accorded. Please notify 
them to depart all in one party, and ask the British, French, 
Japanese and American Consuls to issue them safe-conducts to be 
delivered to them through the Netherlands Consul-General. 

[Seal.] Wai Chiao Pu. 



Hq. 84. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister 
at Peking. 

[Letter— Translation.'] 

■ Peking, 23rd day, 5th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[May 23, 1917.] 
Sir: 

In reply to Your Excellency's letter of the 14th instant referring 
to the fact that the American Government has consented to allow the 
German officials who are now in China to return to Germany via 
America, I beg to inform you that I have duly consulted the various 
foreign Ministers concerned, as requested. In reply the Br'tish Charge 
d'AffaLes and the French, American and Japanese Ministers said that 
all the remaining German consular officials will be allowed to obtain 
safe-conducts from their Consulates at Shanghai following the 
previous arrangement- The British Charge d'Affaires also stated that 
the time limit given in the safe-conducts will be quite sufficient for 
the purpose and that as regards the German postal officials, the 
Legation has now been instructed by the British Government not to 
, give them safe-conducts. 

Although the American Government consents to let the German 
consular officials pass through America, the American Minister has 
notified me that this will be the last time that such a 
facility can be accorded. Therefore, I earnestly request that Your 
Excellency will be good enough to advise the remaining German 
consular officials to leave all in one party. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 

-65- 
No. 85. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioner of Foreign 
Affairs at Shanghai. 

[Express Letter — Translation ] 

Peking, 23rd day, 5th month. 
6th year of the Republic. 
[May 23, 1917.] 

Sir: „ 

With regard to the departure of the remaining German Consular 

officials for Germanv, this Ministry has already consulted the British, 
French, American and Japanese Ministers, and they replied 
that following former arrangements, the said safe-conducts will 
be issued by their respective Consuls at Shanghai. The British 
Charge- d'Affaires further stated that the time limit given in the 
safe-conducts will be quite sufficient for the purpose, and that he has 
received instructions from his Government not to issue safe-conducts 
to German postal officials. 

Though the American Government consents to let German 
consular officials pass through America, the American Minister has 
notified this Ministry that this is to be the last time that 
such permission can be given. Please inform these remaining 
German consular officials to leave all in one party. 

I have, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 



No. 86. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 

[Memorandum — Translation.'] 

Peking, 23rd day., 5th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[May, 23, 1917.] 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received a telegram dated the 
19th inst. from Mr. Koo, the Chinese Minister at Washington, which 

reads as follows : 

" After the second party of German consular officials totalling 
forty-seven persons arrived at San Francisco, their safe-conducts were 
taken back by this Legation and in conjunction with the Department 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 66 — 
of State, the matter has been satisfactorily arranged with the different 
Embassies concerned. This afternoon a representative of the 
American Government escorted the party to New York where they 
went on board theS.S. " Christiania fiord " which sailed for Bergen." 
The Ministry takes pleasure in transmitting the above communica- 
tion for the perusal of his Excellency the Netherlands Minister. 



No. 87. 

The Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at Shanghai to the Minister of 

Foreign Affairs. 

[ Report — Translatio n . ] 

Shanghai, 19th day, 7th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[July r 9 , 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

Hereby I beg to report on the departure of the second party of 
German Consuls together with their staffs and families. 

The second party of German Consular officers consisted of thirty- 
four persons in all. They went on board the Dutch steamship 
Juliana and left Woosung on the rst inst. at 3 p.m. This Bureau 
sent a representative to escort them to the ship, who secured from 
them a written statement to certify their safe departure from this 
country. 

As regards the German Consul-Genera!, Mr. Knipping and the 
Vice-Consul, Mr. Schirmer, upon receipt of a letter from the Nether- 
lands Consul-Genera], stating that they were prevented from travel- 
ling with the party owing to illness, I at once' delegated Secretary 
Chen Shih-kuang of this Bureau, to proceed to the residence of the 
German Consul to make inquiry and to advise them to leave without 
delay. Subsequently, a detailed report was made by the said delegate 
to the following effect : 

" In accordance with your instructions I went to the German 
Consul's residence at No. 10 Wham-poo Road, Hungkow and was' 
received by him in two of the bed rooms. I informed him that 
according to telegraphic instructions received from the Ministry it 
was the last time that the American Government would issue safe- 
conducts to allow them return to their country via San Francisco, and 
that there would not be another opportunity hereafter. The inter- 
view lasted twenty minutes during which I did the best I could to 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 

— 67 - 

persuade him to leave with the others. Mr. Knipping replied that he 

had been suftenng from fever for the last fortnight and had actually 

lost weight by more than 20 pounds. His illness was certifie 1 to by 

Dr G Blumenstock who would not advise him to leave his bed for 

.at least a week. I also saw a bag of ice and electric belts in his bed. 

Mr Schirmer, the Vice-consul and Interpreter was also inter- 

viewed 'in a bed-room. He said that he originally intended to leave 

with this partv and that owing to a relapse of his old illness he went 

to the Shanghai General Hospital a few days ago and asked an 

English doctor, Dr. N. Macleod, to make an X-ray examination tot 

.his°person Besides, on account of the hot weather, he thought that 

he was too feeble to take a long journey of two months' duration 

■which might mak, his case still worse. The certificate of his doctor 

had already been handed to the Netherlands Consul-General to be 

forwarded to the Commissioner's Bureau. 

"The German Consul -General also stated that he had intended 
to go to the Shanghai Hospital for medical treatment but he had 
concluded it would be inconvenient for him to do so because all the 
inmates of that hospital were English," etc., etc. 

Later on the Netherlands Consul-General handed to me the 
■doctor's certificates certifying that it was inadvisable for the said 
German Consular officials to leave with the party. I have already 
reported on the matter by telegraph on the 1st inst. 

' I hereby respectfullv submit this report on the departure of the 
second party of German consular officials and their families, together 
with a list of their names, and a written statement of their safe 
departure and a Chinese translation of the same for Your Excellency s 

persual. , . 

[sd] Chu Chao-hsin, 

Enclosure : as stated. 

(Indosure.) 

LIST. 

Of the German Consular Officials and their families and servants, 
who are ready to leave China for Germany by the Netherlands mail- 
steamer Prinses Juliana on the 26th June 1917. 

Title. Name. Surname Maiden- Age. Personal 

name. Status. 

SHANGHAI. 
■Interpreter, Dr. Pernitzsch Gerhard 35 sin S le - 

Secretary, jecke Carl 43 married. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



68 



Secretary, 

Secretary, 
Assistant, 



Act. Consul 



Consul, 



Mrs. Jecke 
Gunther 

Mrs. Gunther 
Lamia 
Schoepe 



Charlotte 

Paul 

Olga 

Johann 

August 



Mayer 

Zinke 



CHUNGKING. 

Dr. Bethcke Max 

CHANGSHA. 

Dr. Merklinghaus Peter 
Mrs. Merklinghaus Kaete 

Merklinghaus 



Schmidt 



34 

30 married. 
29 

31 single 
33 single 



42 single 

49 married. 
32 



( Heinz 
( Otto 

Merklinghaus Wolfgang 



HANKOW. 

Commercial Attache, Schoenherr Hans 

SWATOW 

Consul, Dr. von Borch Herbert 

Mrs. von Borch Elsbeth Schmidt 
von Borch Herbert 
von Borch Asta 
Nurse Kolb Luice 

Secretary, Baron von Ruffin Heinrich 



35 single 



41 


married 


30 




7 




3 




23 


single 


54 


single 



CANTON. 



Act. Consul, Tigges 



Consul, Dr. Nord 



Act. Consul, Metzelthin 
Mrs. Metzelthin 



Consul, Weiss 

Mrs. Weiss 
Weiss 



Alex 



38 single 



Homow. 








Adolf 




39 


single 


PAKHOE. 








Theodor 
Pearl 


Neufeld 


41 
32 


married 


YUNNANFU. 








Fritz 
Hedvvig 
Jutta 


Sonnenburg 


40 

27 
2I 


married 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 



Weiss 
Nurse Fense 

Secretary, Hoinka 

Mrs. Hoinka 
Hoinka 

Mrs. Holzhauer 



- 69 - 
Alice 
Else 

1CHANG 

Joseph 

Olga 

Alfred 

TS1NANFU 

Frida 



1 
28 



single 



39 married 

Heyder 30 

1 month (infant) 



Holzhauer 
Nurse Ley 



Kuhn 36 (wife of 
interpreter) 
9 months (infant) 
24 single. 



Gotz 
Ella 
• (Inclosure 2— Copy.) 
Written Statement of Safe Departure. 

At the request of Mr. Chen, Secretary of the Special Envoy for 
Foreign Affairs, I am very pleased to state, that all the arrange- 
ments for the transfer of the Consular Officials from Shanghai to 
Woosung on board the Dutch Steamer Juliana were very carefully 
and excellently made. ^ ^ p Merklinghaus> 

Consul for Germany. 
1st July, 1917. ____——=—— 

No, 88. 

Passport issued to the Austrian Minister. 
[Translation.'] 
Wai Chiao Pu. 

To alt whom it may Concern : 

WHEREAS His Excellency A. von Kostnorn, 

Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Austria- 
Hungary to China, his Legation Staff, his family and retinue, are to 

leave the country. 

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that throughout the route to be 
traveled by the said Minister, etc., all civil and military officials of 
the localities concerned shall honor this passport, and permit pas- 
sage without hindrance, and accord proper protection. 

GIVEN on the Fourteenth Day of the Eighth Month, the Sixth 
Year of the Chung Hua Republic. 

[August 14, i9 x 7-] 
[seal] 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 70 — 
No. 89. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to' the Netherlands Minister 
al 'Peking. 
[ L etter — Translatio n . ] 

Peking, 21st day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 2i, 1917] 
Sir : 

On the fourteenth instant, upon China's declaring war on Austria- 
Hungary, this Ministry immediately issued passports and caused 
them to be delivered to the Austrian Minister M. von Rost horn at 
Peking, in person, for his departure from the country. However, in 
view of the uncertainty of the sailings for- Europe, no date was 
specified for the departure of the said Minister. 

According to the common practice of nations, after two countries 
have declared war on each other, the respective Ministers of the enemy 
countries must not remain longer than is necessary to make prepara- 
tions for their departure. Therefore, we beg your Excellency to 
advise the former Austrian Minister M. von Rosthorn to take passage 
by the next neutral steamer sailing from Shanghai to return to his 
home country, and to order all Austrian consuls and officials to leave 
together by the same boat. We further beg your Excellency to 
inform this Ministry at an early date of the identity of the boat, the 
date of departure and the route by which the said Minister will 
travel, and also to furnish us a list of the whole party giving their 
names, with their photographs attached thereto in order that this 
Ministry may request the Allied Governments to issue them safe- 
ronducts . 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



No. 90. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs 

[Letter — Translation.] 

Peking. August 25, 1917. 
Sir : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 
2 1st instant which has received mv attention. 

The former Austrian Minister, M. von Rosthorn, accompanied by 
his Legation staff and all the consuls and consular officials under his 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 

— 71 — 
jurisdiction, and their families and retinues, intends to return to his 
home country bv the Dutch steamer Oranjc. The said steamer ml 
sail from Shanghai for San Francisco on or about the 15th of nex 
month From San Francisco Minister Rosthorn and his party will 
travel 'across the United States of America and then transfer Jo 
another steamer destined for Holland or a sea-port of N orway 
Sweden or Denmark, from whence they will proceed to return to 

Austria-Hungary. . ... . 

The photographs of the members of the returning party will be 
sent to your Ministry in a day or two. But the photographs of the 
members of the Austrian Consulate-General at Shanghai will notbe 
inclosed therewith, for the reason that on the 22nd ins an , vour 
Excellency informed me in person that the safe-conducts for the 
returning members of the said Consulate-General will be procured by 
the Special Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at Shanghai. 

On the 22nd instant, I personally handed to your Excellency a list 
of the returning Austrian Officials from which the names of the 
former Austrian Consular officials at Tientsin were omitted. A 
supplementary list is sent to your Ministry herewith 

I have the honor further to request your Excellency to permit 
the former clerk of the Austrian Legation Kristinus, the *" clerk 
of the Austrian Consulate at Tientsin Krill, and the former clerk of 
he Autrian Consulate-General at Shanghai Winkler, to remain in 
China to assist me in taking charge of the affairs of nationals of the 
Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

Enclosure : as stated. 

(Enclosure). 

List of members of the Austrian Consulate at Tientsin. 

Herr K und K. Konsul Hugo Schumpeter. 

Herr K und K. Konsulats-Offizial Friedrich Kiinzel. 

Herr K und K. Konsulats-Offizial Alexander Lindenmuyer. 

Herr K. und K. Lmienschiffileutnant Wladimir von Manasevic. 

(Herr Honorarbeamte A. Gunther.) 

Nota • According to Mr. Shen, Secretary of the Ministry, the 
Netherlands Legation has stated that the gentleman whose name is 
within the parenthesis, is a typist and is to remain in China. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 72 — 

No. 91. 

The Minister of Foreign AJJairs to the French, American and Japanese 

Ministers and the British Charge d' Affaires, at Peking. 

[Circular Letter — Translation.] 

Peking, 28th day, 8th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[August 28, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I beg to inform Your Excellency that Dr. A. von Rosthorn, the 
Austrian Minister proposes to leave this country with the members of 
his Legation, the Austrian Consuls, and all their families by the Dutch 
steamer S.S. Oranje which will sail from Shanghai on or about the 
15th of September for San Francisco from where they will trave 
across the United States and then take another steamer to proceed to 
a port in Holland, Norway, Sweden, or Denmark. I have the honor 
to ask Your Excellency to be good enough to request Your Govern- 
ment by telegraph * to issue to the said Minister, etc., etc., safe- 
conducts in order to enable them to return to their own country. 

I beg to enclose herewith a list of the members of the Austrian 
Legation in Peking together with the names of the members of the 
Austrian Consulates at Tientsin and Chefoo. As to the safe-conducts 
required by the Austrian Consular Officers at Shanghai, Your 
Excellency is further requested to instruct your Consul-General at 
Shanghai to issue them directly. 

Hoping to have the favor of your early reply, 

I avail, etc. 

„ , [sd.l Wang Ta-hsieh. 

Enclosure : as stated. 

[Enclosure omitted.] 

* Note: In the letter to the American Minister there were inserted at 
th is place the following -words " to gra nt passage and ". 

No, 92. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Portuguese, -Russian, 

Italian and Belgian Ministers at Peking. 

[Circular Letter— Translation.] 

Peking, 29th day, 8th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

x- t? 11 [August 29, 1917.I 

X our Excellency : J' Ji-i 

I beg to inform Your Excellency that Dr. A. von Rosthorn, the 
Austnan Minister proposes to leave this country with the members of 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 



— 73 — 
his Legation, the Austrian Consuls, and all their families by the Dutch 
steamer 5. S. Oranje which will set sail from Shanghai on or 
about September 15 for San Francisco from whence they will travel 
across the United States and then transfer to another steamer to 
proceed to a port in Holland, Norway, Sweden, or Denmark. 

Should there be any squadrons of your country on the route to be 
taken by the said Minister and his party, I would request that Your 
Excellency will request your Government by telegraph to issue safe- 
conducts to the party in order to enable them to return to their 
own country. 

Hoping to have the favor of your early reply. 



I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



No. 93, 

The French Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, August 29th, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
letter of the 28th inst. requesting the issue of safe-conducts to the 
Austrian Minister, the members of the Austrian Legation and 
Consulates as well as their families, who will leave Shanghai on or 
about the 15th of September for San Francisco and will ultimately 
proceed to Holland or to one of the Scandinavian countries. 

I have immediately conveyed Your Excellency's request to my 
Government by telegraph. But in examining the attached list I find 
therein the names of Captains Gayer and Topil, two Austrian officers 
who are actively serving in the army of a country which is at war 
with China. They are, therefore, not entitled to enjoy the privilege 
of safe-conduct, and apparently they ought to be interned. 

With regard to the issue of safe-conducts to the Austrian 
consular officers at Shanghai, I shall instruct the French Consul- 
General at that port to issue them in accordance with the request of 
Your Excellency. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] A. R. Conty. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 74 — 

No. 94. 

The Italian Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Litter — Translation.'] 

Peking, August 30th ; 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
letter of the 29th inst. with reference to the route which the Austrian 
Minister and his party propose to take in returning home via the 
Pacific Ocean, America and a north European seaport. 

As there is no Italian squadron of any kind patrolling the said 
route, there is no interference whatever to be expected from that 
quarter. Taking the case of the German Minister as a precedent, the 
British and French safe-conducts alone were sufficient to remove all 
obstacles. But should Your Excellency make a special request for 
Italian safe-conducts, I shall be glad to telegraph to my Government 
to arrange the matter accordingly. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Aliotti. 

No. 95. 

The Russian Legation ac Peking to the Minis! :r of Foreign Affairs. 

[Letter — Translation.] 

Peking, August 30th, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your 
Excellency's letter of the 29th inst. in regard to the departure of the 
Austrian Minister, Dr. A. von Rosthorn, the members of the Austrian 
Legation and consulates and all their families. 

In reply we beg to request Your Excellency to send to us a full 
list in a foreign language of the persons who intend to accompany the 
Austrian Minister on his return home with their official titles and 
photographs attached thereto. 

We have, etc. 

[sd.] The Russian Legation. 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 

— 75 — 
No. 96. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Russian Minister at Peking. 
[Letter — Translation.] 

Peking, ist day, 9th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[September i, 1917.] 

Sir: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
letter requesting a list of the personnel of the Austrian Minister's party 
written in a foreign language, together with their photographs. 

Herewith I beg to forward to Your Excellency a copy of the said 
list. As to the photographs, they will be sent to Your Excellency as 
soon as we shall have completely collected them. 

In addition to the above list there is a certain Dr. Anton Arnold, 
a German adviser to the Ministry of Finance Who wishes to return 
home in the party of the Austrian Minister. I have the honor to 
request that Your Excellency will request your Government to grant 
him a safe-conduct as well. 

With regard to the safe-conducts required by the Austrian 
Consular Officers at Shanghai, I beg to propose that Your Excellency 
will instruct the Russian Consul-General at that port to, issue them ■ 

there directly. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 

Enclosure : as stated. 

[Enclosure omitted.] 

No. 97. 

The Japanese Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Letter — Translation.] 

Peking, 2nd day, 9th month, 
6th year of Taisho. 

[September 2, 1917] 

Your, Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
letter of August 28th requesting the issue of safe-conducts to the 
Austrian Minister, the members of the Austrian Legation and 
Consulates and their families, who will leave Shanghai by the Dutch 
steamer S.5. " Oranje " on or about the 15th of Sept. for San 
Francisco and will then return to Austria via America, etc. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

-76- 

In reply I have the honor to state that with the exception of 
three Austrian officers, whose names are contained in the' herein 
annexed list, I agree to issue to the Austrian Minister, his staff and 
their families the required safe-conducts. Please send me their 
respective photographs at Your Excellency's earliest convenience. 

With regard to the safe- conducts required by the Austrian 
Consular officers at Tientsin and Chefoo, barring those who are in the 
actual military service of Austria-Hungary, I have already instructed 
the Imperial Japanese Consuls at those ports to issue them accordingly. 
So they may be obtained from the Imperial Japanese Consulates at 
those ports either by the Chinese Commissioners of Foreign Affairs 
directly or through the medium of the Netherlands Consuls. 

As to the safe-conducts required by the Austrian consular officers 
at Shanghai, I have already instructed by telegraph the Imperial 
Japanese Consul-General at that port to issue the same. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Hayashi. 
Capt. Q. Gayer. 

Capt. H. Topil. 

Linienschiffsleutnant Wladimer von Mariasevic. 



No. 98. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the American, French, Russian, 
and Japanese Ministers, and the British Charge d'Ajf aires 
at Peking. 

[Circular Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, 4th day, 9th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[September 4, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

Recently I had the honor to write to your Excellency with 
reference to the matter of the issuance of safe-conducts to the 
Austrian Minister Dr. A. von Rosthorn, his Legation staff and 
members of the Austrian Consulates, and their families, who are to 
return home. Now I beg to send to your Excellency photographs of 
the Austrian Minister, the members of the Austrian Legation and 
consulates at Tientsin and Chefoo, together with a foreign language 
list of the personnel of the party. _ I shall be much obliged if your 
Excellency will issue to them the safe-conducts accordingly. 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 



— 77 — 
The Austrian vice-consul at Chefoo, Baron M. von Babo and his 
wife Baroness Babo propose to sail directly from Chefoo to Shanghai, 
where they will wait to join the party of the Austrian Minister. 
Therefore, I have the honor to request that Your Excellency will 
instruct your Consul at Chefoo by telegraph to issue to them a 
special short-term safe-conduct for the voyage between Chefoo and 

Shanghai. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 
Enclosures : 

15 photographs 

1 list. 

[Enclosures omitted.] 

No. 99. 

The American Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Letter — Copy.~\ 

Peking, September 5th, 1917. 
Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
Notes of August 28th, in regard to safe-conducts to enable the 
Austrian Minister and bis party to return home, and of Sept. 1st, in 
regard to safe-conducts for certain German ladies, who wish to 
return home in company with the Austrian Minister. 

In reply I have the honor to state that I referred these matters to 
my Government and have now received a reply, authorising the issue 
of safe-conducts to the persons referred to in your two notes to travel 
across United States territory, with the reservation of the right of 
search. 

I avail, etc. 

For the American Minister, 

[sd.] J. V. A. MacMurray, 
Secretary of Legation. 

No. 100. 

The American Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Letter— Copy. ] 

Peking, Sept. 7th, 1917. 
Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Ex- 
cellency's notes of recent date in reference to the issue of safe- 
conducts. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

-78- 
In reply I have to enclose herewith safe-conducts for the Austro- 
Hungarian Minister and staff and to state that instructions have been 
telegraphed to the American Consul at Chefoo as requested, in 
reference to short term safe-conducts from Chefoo to Shanghai for the 
Austro-Hungarian Vice-Consul at Chefoo. Instructions have also 
been sent to the American Consul-General at Shanghai, that upon 
application being made to the Consulate General through the 
appropriate Chinese authorities at Shanghai and on the condition that 
like safe-conducts are granted by the British and French authorities, 
he is to issue safe-conducts for the Austro-Hungarian Consular 
Officials at Tientsin, Chefoo and Shanghai and also to the German 
ladies and children mentioned in your note of Sept. 1st. 

No authority has yet been received by the Legation from the 
United States Government to issue safe-conducts for any other enemy 
subjects, with a view to their leaving Shanghai for the United States 
by the Dutch steamer Oranje on the 15th of September, although 
application has been made for authorization to grant safe-conducts 
to the German Consular Officials still remaining in China (including 
among others, those mentioned in your note of September 4 th )' 
providing fhey can leave China by this boat. 

I avail, etc. 

For the American Minister, 
[sd.] J. V. A. MacMurray, 

Enclosures : as stated. ^^ ° f Le § ation - 

[Enclosures omitted.] 



No. 101. 

The French Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Letter— Translation.] 
Your Excellency: P *»S. September 7 ,h, IQI7 . 

With reference to Four Excellency's letter of the 4th jnst 
h e7u ? h °"; r '° ~* '° ^ m "'^ "" -*«■£« *H 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS- 

— 79 — 

and his suite, their names have been consequently erased from the 

list in the said safe-conduct. 

On the other hand, I have telegraphed the French Cansul- 

General at Shanghai, informing him of the approaching arrival of the 

persons stated in the above-mentioned list, and instructing him 

in consultation with the Allied Consular Body to issue safe-conducts 

to those members of the German and Austrian Consular staff who are 

still at Shanghai. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd ] A. R. Conty. 

No. 102. 

The Japanese Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, 8th day, o,th month, 
6th year of Taisho, 
[Sept. 8, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Ex- 
cellency's letter of the 4th inst., together with a list of names and 
photographs with reference to the matter of the issue of safe-conducts 
to the Austrian Minister M. A. von Rosthorn, and the members of 
the Austrian Legation and Consulates as well as their families. 

In reply I have the honor to state that, of the above mentioned 
parties I have already agreed to grant safe-conducts to the Austrian 
Minister and the members of the Austrian Legation as well as their 
families, whose names totalling ten in number are to be found in the 
annexed list No. 1. Their safe-conducts are enclosed to Your 
Excellency under a separate cover. I trust that Your Excellency 
will receive them and forward the same to the respective parties. 

With regard to the five Austrian Consular Officials, who are 
grouped in the annexed list No. 2, their safe-conducts will be issued 
by the Imperial Japanese Consulates at the various ports as pre- 
viously suggested in my letter of the 2nd inst. (No. 148). Under 
these circumstances, I beg to return to Your Excellency herewith 
their photographs, which may be sent to your local authorities or the 
Netherlands Consuls at the various ports in order to enable them to 
apply directly for the required safe-conducts to the Imperial 
Japanese Consuls. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 80 — 
As to the short term safe-conducts for the journey to be made by 
the members of the Austrian Consulate from Chefoo to Shanghai, 
since the Imperial Japanese Consul at Chefoo is to issue the safe- 
conducts to the members of the Austrian Consulate at Chefoo as 
arranged above, there is no necessity for issuing the said short term 
safe-conducts from Chefoo to Shanghai. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Hayashi. 
Enclosures : as stated. 

[Enclosures omitted] 

No. 103. 

The Minister of Foreign A fairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking' 
[Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, 8th day, 9th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[September 8, 1917.] 
Sir: 

In your note of the 25th ultimo, it is stated that " the former 
Austrian Minister M. von Rosthorn intends to take his staff of Legation 
and all the consuls and consular officials under his jurisdiction, and 
their families and retinues, to return to his home country by the 
Dutch steamer Oranje. The said steamer will sail from Shanghai for 
San Francisco on or about the 15th of next month," etc. In 
accordance therewith, this Ministry immediately requested the 
Ministers of the several countries concerned to issue safe-conducts. 
Now that the date above referred to is drawing close, we beg your 
Excellency to inform us as soon as possible of the exact date on 
which the Austrian Minister M. von Rosthorn will leave Peking, in 
order that we may notify the Ministry of Communications to prepare 
a special train and to provide protection for the said Minister and his 
party while leaving the country. 

As respects the group of German women who desire to return to 
their country in the party of the Austrian Minister, we have already 
complied with your request and requested the Ministers of the 
countries concerned to issue safe-conducts accordingly. And we wish 
to request Your Excellency to send photographs of the German 
women to us immediately for the purpose of completing the said safe- 
conducts. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS- 

— 81 — 

No, 104. 

The British Charge d' Affaires at Peking to the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

[Letter — Translation. ] 

Peking, Sept. 9th, 1917. 
Excellency : 

With reference to the matter of the issue of safe-conducts to 
the enemy subjects I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
Your Excellency's letters of recent dates. 

In reply I have the honor to enclose herewith a safe-conduct for 
the Austro-Hungarian Minister and his staff as stated in Your 
Excellency's letter of the 4th inst., and to state that such safe-con- 
ducts issued to the enemy subjects at this time as well as every other 
time either by my Government or by order of my Government, are 
upon the condition that the British Government reserves to itself the 
right to search the luggage of the respective persons. 

As to the safe-conducts required by the Austro-Hungarian 
Consular Officials at Tientsin and Chefoo, they will be issued by the 
British Consul-General at Shanghai upon the application for the same 
by the Netherlands Consul-General at the latter port. 

With regard to your request of the 8th inst. for the issue of a 

safe-conduct to Anton Arnold and your request of the 1st inst. for 

several safe-conducts to certain German ladies, I have the honor to 

give my compliance to the same and to request that the photographs 

of the said German ladies be sent to me at Your Excellency's earliest 

convenience. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] B. Alston. 
Enclosure : as stated. 

[Enclosure omitted.] 

No. 105, 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, September 11, 1917. 
Sir: 

I regret very much my having been unable until to-day to reply 
to your note of the 8th instant concerning the departure of the former 
Austrian Minister M. von Rosthorn, because we have not been able 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



to obtain definitely the date of arrival of the Dutch steamer Oranje at 
Shanghai. Now, we have heard that that the said steamer will 
arrive at Woosung on the 16th of this month. 

It is the wish of the former Austrian Minister M. von Rosthorn to 
arrive at Woosung just on time for the steamer to sail, instead of 
waiting' for the steamer at Shanghai before its arrival. I have the 
honor specially to request Your Excellency to request the Ministry of 
Communications to fix the date for the train to leave Peking according 
to the desire of the former Austrian Minister M. von Rosthorn, and to 
notify us of the same in your reply. I further desire to know the 
time when the train will arrive at Tientsin, in order that I may advise 
the former Austrian consular officials there to avail themselves of the 
opportunity to go to Shanghai by the same train. 
I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

No. 106. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, Sept. 12, 1917. 
Sir: 

I have the honor to inform your Excellency with reference to 
the date of arrival of the Dutch steamer Oranje of which I 
notified you on the nth instant, that I am now in receipt of a 
telegram from Shanghai stating that the said steamer will be two 
days late and will arrive at Woosung on the morning of the 18th 
instant, etc. Therefore, I beg leave to bring this information to your 
distinguished attention. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

No. 107, 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 

[Note —Translation.'] 

Peking, 14th day, 9th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[September 14, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Ex- 
cellency's note of August 25 in regard to the issue of safe-conducts to 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 



-83- 

the Austrian Minister M. A. von Rosthorn, who proposes to leave 
Shanghai with the members of the Austrian Legation and Consulates 
and their families by the Dutch steamer Oranje which will sail on or 
about the 15th of September for San Francisco, from where they will 
travel across the United States of America and then take another 
steamer to proceed to a port in Holland, Norway, Sweden or 
Denmark. 

In reply I have the honor to state that I have consulted the 
various foreign Ministers, concerned, at Peking, and have now succes- 
sively received replies from the British, French, Japanese, American 
and Russian Ministers, transmitting to me the safe-conducts for the 
Austrian Minister and his party, as requested, with the statement, 
that the right of search of the baggage is reserved. With 
the exception of Capt. 0. Gayer, commander of the Legation Guards, 
whose safe-conduct will have to be sent to Your Excellency at a later 
date from the fact that it has not yet been issued by all 
the foreign Ministers concerned, I have the honor to enclose herewith 
eleven safe-conducts and request that Your Excellency will forward 
the same to the Austrian Minister and his party in accordance with 
the separate list attached hereto. 

With regard to the safe-conducts required by the Austrian 
Consular Officials at Tientsin and Chefoo, I have the honor further 
to inform Your Excellency that, the French Minister has already 
granted these safe-conducts at Peking while the' British, American, 
Japanese and Russian Ministers have authorized their respective 
consuls at Tientsin and Shanghai to issue the same. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh . 
Enclosures : as stated. 

List of the safe-conducts issued by the various Legatioiis to Dr. A. 
von Rosthorn, the Austrian Minister and his staff. 

British ' 1 

French (including the safe-conducts for the Austrian 

Consuls at Tientsin and Chefoo.) . . . . 1 

Japanese ■ 7 

American 1 

Russian 1 



[Safe-conducts omitted.] 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 
No. 108. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking.. 

[Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, 14th day, 9th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[September 14, 1917.] 

Sir: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter in 
which your Excellency inquired as to the date of departure and the 
time schedule of the train by which the former Austrian Minister, M. 
von Rosthorn is to leave Peking, and I beg to further acknowledge the' 
receipt of your letter to the effect that the Dutch steamer Oranje 
will arrive at Woosung on the morning of the 18th instant. We have 
accordingly requested the Ministry of Communications to prepare 
a special train which will leave the Chien-Men Station on September 
iO promptly at eight o'clock a.m. and arrive at Woosung on the 
17th instant approximately, at ten o'clock, in the evening. Where- 
fore, we beg of your Excellency to forward the notice herein con- 
tained to the former Austrian Minister, M. von Rosthorn. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



No. 109. 

:,• Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking: 
[Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, 15th day, 9th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[September 15, 1917.] 

I have the honor to state that the previous arrangement for 
permitting certain German and Austrian consular officers to remain 
in China, was only for temporary convenience. Now it has been 
brought to my notice that some of these officers now remaining in 
interfering with our internal affairs. Apprehending 
w- toward consequences, the Chinese Government deems it incon- 
vement to allow them remain in China any longer. As there are 
many neutral ships available, the said consular officers should be 
ordered to leave this country without exception. I have already 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 



-«5- 
arranged with the Allied Ministers, with reference to their safe- 
conducts which will be issued by the Allied Consuls at Shanghai upon 
application. I have the honor to request that Your Excellency will 
instruct all the said consular officers by telegraph to leave this country 
accordingly, and I shall be glad to have Your Excellency's favorable 
reply. 



I have, etc. 



[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



No. 110, 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, Sept. 15th, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
Note of the 14th inst., enclosing eleven safe-conducts issued by the 
various Legations for the former Austro-Hungarian Minister and his 
party to return heme, together with a list attached thereto, and I 
have noticed the statement in your Note that these safe-conducts 
were issued with the reservation of the right to search the luggage, 
■etc. 

In reply I have the honor to state that according to the opinion 
of the Austro-Hungarian Government, the staff of the Legation is, 
meant to include also the Legation Guards who should have the right 
of returning home, too. Therefore, the Government of Austria- 
Hungary protests against the detention of the Austro-Ffungarian 
Legation Guards in China. But, in view of the present circumstances, 
with the exception of the Commander of the Austro-Hungarian 
Legation Guards, the other officers and privates may be detained in 
China in order to avoid any delay in the departure of Dr. A. von 
Rosthorn, the former Austro-Hungarian Minister. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 86 — 

No, 111. 

The Commissioner of Foreign Affairs for Kiangsu to the Minister 
of Foreign Affairs. 

[Report — Translation. ] 

Shanghai, 20th day, 9th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[September 20, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

In confirmation of my telegraphic report regarding the departure 
of the Austro-Hungarian Minister, the German aud the Austro- 
Hungai ian Consuls, together with their staffs and families, I have the 
honor to submit to Your Excellency herewith a full report on the 
matter. 

The party returning home with the Austrian Minister and the 
German and Austrian Consul-Generals consists of two detachments. 
Those in the first detachment are Dr. A. von Rosthorn, the Austro- 
Hungarian Minister, his Legation staff, and their families, numbering 
10 in all ; the Austro-Hungarian Consul at Tientsin with his clerks 
forming a group of 3; and 11 German subjects including both men and 
women. They arrived at Shanghai on the 17th inst. at midnight and 
immediat ely left for Woosung. Those in the second detachment are 
the Austro-Hungarian Consul-General at Shanghai, his staff and their 
families totaling 15; the German Consul-General, his staff and their 
families totali ng 20 ; and the Austro-Hungarian Consul and his wife. 
Both the first and second detachments, 61 persons in all, have 
embarked on the Dutch steamer Oranje which sailed from Woosung 
on the iSth instant. The whole party was carefully escorted to 
Woosung by a delegate of this Bureau with arrangements made to 
their satisfaction. Three certificates of safe departure were obtained 
from them : one from the Austro-Hungarian Minister ; one from the 
Austro-Hungarian Consul-General and the other from the German 
Consul-General. As the original certificates must be kept by the 
Bureau for reference, only the copies of the same together with 4 lists 
of names are herewith enclosed for Your Excellency's perusal. 

I have the honor to request that this report together with the 
enclosures herein attached be filed in the Ministry's archives. 

Respectfully submitted, 

[sd.] Sah Fu-mao, 
End osure s : as stated. 



DEPARTURE .OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 

-87- 
(Enclosure 1 — Copy.) 
The courteous assistance of Mr. S. K. Chen was highly 
-appreciated. • 

A. de Rosthorn. 
Envoye Extraordinaire et Ministre 
Plenipotentiaire. 
Woosung, S. S. Oranje, iS, Sept. 1917. 

( Enclosure 2- — Copy.) 

Woosung, 18th Sept. 1917. 
Dear Mr. Chen : 

This is to thank you for all the excellent arrangements you made 
for the Austro-Hungarian Consular transport from Shanghai to Woo- 
sung and from there to the Netherlands Mail steamer Oranje on which 
I am leaving for good. 

Everything 3'ou did was most considerate and very much 
appreciated by myself and the whole party. 

Believe me, dear Mr. Chen, 
Sincerely yours, 

[sd.] K. Berbauer 
Austro-Hungarian Consul-General. 
S. K. Chen Esq., 

Chief Secretary to Special Envoy for Foreign AffVys, 
Shanghai. 

{Inclosure 3 — Copy.) 

Shanghai, 18th September, 1917. 
Dear Mr. Chen, 

Upon your request I herewith test'fy with great pleasure that all 
preparations made by you for my and Mr. Schirmer's etc. departure 
have been to our entire satisfaction. For all your kind endeavourings 
to make things easy and comfortable for our party we thank you very 
much. 

With all our best wishes and compliments. 
Yours truly, 

[sd.] H. Knipping 

H. F. M.'s Consul-General. 

[Enclosure 4 — Copy.) 

LIST. 

of former Austro-Hungarian Diplomatic and Consular Officials, their 

families and nurses, who are leaving Shanghai by the Netherlands 

Mail steamer Oranje on or about the 18th September 1917. 



OFFICIAL ".DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



Title 
The Minister 
His wife 
Sister-in-law 



Title ' 
The Consul 

Secretary 
Secretary 

Title 
The Vice-Consul 
His wife' ei - ! 

Title 

Consul-General 
Secretary 

Mrs. 
Secretary 
Interpreter stud. 
Stenotypist 
Technical Attache 
Mrs. 
Miss 
Master 
Title 
Representative of 
Royal Hungarian 
Commercial museum 
Austrian Government 
Wireless Operator on 



— 8S — 

PEKING. 

Family and given name 

Dr. Artur von Rosthorn 

Mrs. von Rosthorn 

Mrs. von Rosthorn 

Mrs. Kann 

Mr. Weinzetl 

Mr. Bauer 

Mrs. Bauer 

Mrs. de Marteau 

Mr. Nagy 

Miss Zuchairaf 

TSENT8IN. 

Family and given name 
Mr. Hugo Schuwpeter 
Mr. Kuenzel 
Mr. Alex. Lindenmayer 

GHEFOQ 
Family and given name 
Max Baron von Babe 
Baronin von Babe. 
SHANGHAI 
Family and given name 
Adolf Kunz 
Franz Winkler 
V. Winkler 
Fritz Nitura 
Ludwig Peter 
Miss S. Griin 
K. J. Hora 
Hora 
Hora 
Hora 
Family and given name 



Kars, Moriz 



DEPARTURE OF THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS. 



board S.S. China. 
Ditto on board the 

S.S. Silesia. 
Ditto on board the 

S.S. Bohemia. 



-89- 
Bajor, Anton 

Steinacker, Hans 



Title 
Consul-General 

Nurse 
Vice-Consul 
Mrs. 



Nurse 
Vice-Consul 
Chancellor 

Mrs. 



Keii, Franz Josef 
(Enclosure 5 — Copy) 
LIST 
of former German Consular Officials, their families and nurse who are 
leaving China by the Netherlands Mail steamer Oranje on or about 

18th September 1917. 

Family and given name. 

Knipping, H. 

Schiile, Itha. 

Schirmer, K. 

Schirmer. J. C. 

Schirmer, Brigithe 

Schirmer, Hans. 

Schwabe, Bertha. 

von Tippelskirch, Kurt. 

Gatjen, Hermann 

Gatj en, Anny 

Gatjen, Hermann, Bernhard 

Giitjen, Albrecht 

Gatjen, Ingeborg 

Gatjen, Hildegard (no photos.) 

Strickrodt, Frieda (Miss). 

Schols. Paul 
Schols, Clara 

Schols, Elsa (Miss) 

Schols, Krich 

Schols, Wilhelm 
German subjects accompanying the family of the Austro- 
Hungarian Minister Peking : 

Dr. Arnold 

Miss Buthenthaler 

Mrs. Boss 

Mrs. Strasser and Child 

Mrs. Pfutzenreuter and s 

Mrs. Ahlers 

Miss Ahlers 

Miss Kroker 



Nurse 
Assistant 
Mrs. 



children 



PART IV. 



Rules and Regulations relating to the War. 



RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 91 — 

NO. 112. 

Regulations concerning Mail Bags dispatched to and from Germany. 
A Ministerial Order to the Director-General of the Postal Service. 

{Translation.'] 

Your report No. 60 is noted. With respect to the delivery of 
German mail bags, this Ministry has adopted the following rules of 
procedure : 

(1) In view of the fact that Japan, after having joined the Allies, 
still maintains her postal service with Germany, China, having only 
severed her diplomatic relations with Germany, will therefore continue 
to send mail bags to Germany, but will not- send them through the 
German postal agencies in China. 

(2) Mail bags dispatched from German}', if destined for our post 
offices shall be accepted ; but if destined for German postal agencies 
in China, they shall not be forwarded or delivered by our post offices. 

(3) Mail matter dispatched from Germany or carried in the mail 
bags of other countries either marked for German postal agencies in 
China or marked to be carried in Chinese mail bags shall not be 
forwarded or delivered. 

The date, however, on which both this Article and Article (2) 
shall come into force, will have to be fixed with some margin ; the 
Directorate-General of Post shall notify by telegraph such German 
post offices and other foreign post-offices as may be concerned, of this 
regulation. 

(4) It has been the practice since the fourth year of the 
Republic, when our Government extended this courtesy to Germany at 
the request of the German Minister at Peking, to forward German 
mail bags from Swatow and Changsha. At present, as our 
diplomatic relations with Germany have been broken off, such courtesy 
may no longer be extended, and consequently the practice of 
despatching German mail bags from Swatow and Changsha shall 
cease as a matter of course. 

You are hereby instructed to act in accordance with all the 
rules above set forth. 



[seal] Ministry of Communications. 



Peking, 22nd day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 22, 1917.] 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 92 — 

m. 113. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister 
at Peking. 

[ L etler — Translation . ] 

Peking, 10th day, 4th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

April 10, 1917. 
Excellency : 

I have the honor to inform 3'ou that I have received a dispatch 
from the Ministry of Communications stating that as China has 
severed her diplomatic relations with Germany, the practice of 
exchanging mail matter in China between the German Postal Agency 
and our Post Office shall immediately cease for the time being, and 
that letters mailed by German residents in China may for the present 
still be accepted and delivered as usual by our Postal Service, pro- 
vided that they bear Chinese postage stamps and are mailed in the 
Chinese Post Offices. 

I have therefore the honor to request Your Excellency to take 
note of these new regulations and to notify all the German subjects in 
Peking of the same. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 



ftio. 114. 

A Public Proclamation of the Ministry of Communications. 
[Translation.! 
The public is hereby informed that since the Government has 
already declared war against Germany and Austria-Hungary, due 
precautions should be taken that all mail matter transmitted within 
this country as well as that carried between this country and' 
foreign countries, shall be subject to a censorship. With the 
exception of Germany and Austria-Hungary, all other countries 
which have established post-offices in China, may appoint their own 
censors. The public is further notified by this proclamation of the 
substance of the provisions contained in the regulations which have 
been adopted by the Government governing the censor of mail matter 
as follows : 



RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 93 — 
i. All mail matter passing between citizens of the Republic and 
enemy subjects or the subjects or citizens of other countries, shall be 
subject to the censorship. 

2. All dispatches of the Government offices and organs as well as 
the dispatches of the various Legations and Consulates, shall be 
exempt from the censorship. 

3. A board of censors shall be established in every important 
locality and the post-offices of all the trading ports. 

4. The censors shall be carefully selected and appointed by the 
high officials of each province. 

5. Every piece of mail matter, after having been passed by the 
censor, shall be stamped with a seal bearing both Chinese and English 
inscriptions indicating the same. 

6. The censoring of each piece of mail matter shall be done 
promptly in order to occasion the least possible delay. 

7. The censors shall be held strictly responsible for the secrecy of 
the contents of the mail matter opened by them. 

Peking, 14th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 14, 1917.] 



No, 115. 

A Presidential Mandate. 

[Translation.] 

We hereby promulgate the rules and regulations governing the 
Prize Court. 

[Seal of the President.] 

Peking, 30th day, 10th month, 

6th -year of the Republic. 

[October 30th, 1917.] 
Countersigned by 

Tuan Chi-jui, Premier. 

Wang Ta-hsieh, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Liu Kwan-hsiung, Minister of the Navy. 

Lin Chang-min, Minister of Justice. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 94 — 
No. 116. 

Inlnictional Mandate No. XX. 
[Translation.] 

Prize Court Rules, 

CHAPTER I. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS. 

Article r. — All matters relating to captures at sea shall be adjudi- 
cated in the Prize Courts. 
Article - 2. — There shall be two classes of Prize Courts :— 

(a) The Local Prize Court. 

(b) The High Prize Court. 

Article 3; — The High Prize Court shall be established in Peking. 
Local Prize Courts shall be established at places to be 
fixed and determined by Presidential Orders. 

Article 4. — The High and the Local Prize Courts shall each be 
composed of : — 

One President. 

Eight Judges. 
Two Procurators, and 
Two Clerks. 
A tide 5. — The President of a High Court of Justice shall be 
appointed by the President of the Republic to act 
concurrently as the President of a Local Prize Court. 

The following officials shall, on the recommendation 
of the Premier, be appointed by a Presidential Order to 
act concurrently as Judges of the Local Prize Court :— 

(a) Four Judges of a High Court of Justice. 

(b) Three Naval Officers. 

(c) One Special Commissioner of Foreign" Affairs. 
Procurators of a High Procuratorate shall, on the 

recommendation of the Premier, be appointed by a 
Presidential Order to act concurrently as the Procurators 
of a Local Prize Court. 

The Clerks of a Local Prize Court shall be appointed by 
the President of the High Prize Court from among the 
Clerks of the various High Courts of Justice to act 
concurrently. 



RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 95 — 
Article 6. — The President of the Supreme Court of Justice shall ba 
appointed to act concurrently as the President of the 
High Prize Court, and the following officials as the 
Judges :— 

Three Judges of the Supreme Court of Justice. 

Two Officers of the Navy. 

One Councillor of the Ministry of the Navy. 

One Councillor of the Bureau of Law Compilation, 

and 
One Councillor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 
All these appointments shall be made by the 
President of the Republic. 

Procurators of the Procuratorate-General shall be 
appointed by the President of the Republic to act 
concurrently as the Procurators of the High Prize Court. 
The Clerks of the High Prize Court shall be appointed 
on the recommendation of the President of the High 
Prize Court, from among the rgcommended class of 
Clerks of the Supreme Court of Justice to act concurrent- 
ly. 
Article 7.— The High and the Local Prize Courts may, as occasion 
arises, employ persons for clerical work or for other 
purposes. 
Article 8. — In accordance with the regulations, no salary shall be- 
paid to the President of the High Prize Court nor shall 
salaries be paid to those Officials of lesser rank who hold 
concurrent posts. 
Article 9.— The President shall have the management of all the 
affairs connected with the Court ; and during the trial of 
any case he shall be the Chairman. If he is prevented 
by any reason from attending Court, one of the Judges 
may act as Chairman in his stead. 
Article 10.— The Local Prize Court shall not sit for the hearing of a 
case unless the Chairman and the Judges present together 
number at least five members. 

The High Prize Court shall not sit unless the Chairman 
and the Judges present number at least seven members. 

Cases before the Court shall be decided by majority, 
but when the votes cast for and against are equal in 
number the Chairman shall decide. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

■ _ 96 - 

Article 11.— Sessions of the High and the Local Prize Courts shall be 
opened and closed as occasion arises by order of the 
Cabinet. 

CHAPTER II. 
PROCEDURE. 

Article 12. — The Commander of the warship making the capture shall 
dispatch the captured ship to the port where the Local 
Prize Court is established and shall order a Prize 
officer to board and accompany the ship into the harbor 
and to deliver a written report of the capture to the 
Local Prize Court . But if owing to any circumstances 
beyond his control the ship cannot be so dispatched then 
only the wiitten report shall be delivered. 

This report shall give in detail the reasons for the 
capture as well as the facts which tend to prove that the 
capture was made in proper order. The report shall be 
accompanied by all papers and documents seized on 
board the captured ship. 

Article 13. — On receipt of the report mentioned in the above Article, 
the President of the Local Prize Court shall appoint one 
of the Judges to take charge of the particular case. 

The Judge in charge, except in cases where the report 
only is delivered as permitted in the first paragraph of the 
above Article, shall, basing himself upon the papers and 
documents delivered to the Court, personally go aboard 
the captured ship to inspect the cargo, and shall in con- 
junction with the Master of the ship, prepare a detailed 
inventory thereof. 

Article 14. —The Judge in Charge shall order the Clerks to record in 
detail any statements made by the Master of the captur- 
ed ship, the crew, the passengers and the owners of the 
cargo, as well as any evidence given by the prize officers 
who made the capture. 

Article 15.— The Judge in Charge, when he considers it necessary, 
may order a referee to pass judgment upon any 
specified matter. 

Article 16.— The Judge in Charge shall, after he has completed his 
investigation, at once prepare a report which, together 
with the report mentioned in Article 12 as well as the 



mm 



RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 97 — 
acompanying papers and documents, shall be forwarded 
to the Procurators of the Local Prize Court. 

Article 17. — The Procurators shall prepare a statement of their opinion 
and shall forward it together with the papers and 
documents mentioned in the above Article to the. Local 
Prize Court. 

Article r8. — If the Procurators are of the opinion that the captured 
ship or cargo should be released and the Lo:al Prize 
Court is of the same opinion, the latter shall at once 
prepare a decree for its release and forward it_td the 
Procurators. 

Article. 19. — If the Procurators are of the opinion that the captured 
ship or cargo should be condemned, or that it should be 
released while the Local Prize Court is of a different 
opinion, the Local Prize Court shall take the usual 
measures for making a public announcement. 

The aforesaid public announcement shall comprise the 
publication of the substance of the case in the Govern- 
ment Gazette and of an English version thereof In 
English newspapers published in this country. Any 
party interested in the case may, within thirty days of 
the public announcement, submit a written petition to 
the Local Prize Court. 

Article 20. — The petition shall state the following particulars to be 
accompanied by such documents as may be used as 
evidence : — 

(a) The petitioner's full name, nationality, 
residential address, age and occupation.. 

(b) The important reasons for the petition. 
Article 21.— The Petitioner may be represented only by lawyers of 

the Republic of China. 

Article 22.— If no interested party has entered a petition on the 
expiration of the time prescribed in the second clause of 
Article 19, the Local Prize Court may at once commence 
with the trial, and on the Procurators' request the «ase 
may be adjudicated without going through the usual 
Procedure. 

Article 23. — If a petition is submitted within the tim° limit, the 
Local Prize Court shall set a day for commencing the 
trial. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

-98- 

If the Petitioner absents himself without permission 
the case may be adjudicated in his absence. 
Article 24. — After the trial the judgment shall be written out and 
announced within three days. 

The written judgement shall be forwarded to the 
Procurators after its announcement, and a copy of it 
shall be made and delivered to the Petitioner. 
Article 25. — Either the Procurators or the Petitioner may, within 
twenty days of the receipt of the judgment, file a protest 
with the Local Prize Court against its judgement. 
The Protest shall state the following particulars :— 

(a) The Petitioner's full name, nationality,* resi- 

dential address, age, and occupation. 

(b) The Judgment of the Local Prize Court". 

(c) The reasons for the protest. 

Article 26. — On receipt of the protest the Local Prize Court shall 
forward all the records connected with the case to the 
Procuratorate of the High Prize Court. 

Article 27. — If no protest has been filed on the expiration of the time 
limit, the original judgment shall be final. But should 
the filing of a protest have been prevented by the act of 
God or the public enemy, the Local Prize Court on being 
informed thereof may, if it finds the facts alleged to be 
sustained by the evidence, permit a petition to be filed 
out of time. 

Article 28.— On receipt of the protest, the High Prize Court shall, 
unless the time limit has expired, in which case the pro- 
test should be overruled, deliver a copy to the Petitioner 
if it is filed by the Procurators, and to the Procurators if 
it is filed by the Petitioner. A reply to the protest 
shall be submitted within ten days of its delivery. 
Article 29. — The High Prize Court, when it considers necessary, may 
on its own account investigate the facts or the evidence 
of the case, or it may instruct the Local Prize Court to 
institute another investigation. 

Article 30.— The High Prize Court shall, after investigation, at once 
hold meetings to examine the case upon the merits of the 
documents, but the judgment must be rendered in open 
court. 



RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 99 — 
The Judgement shall be forwarded to the Procurators of 
the Local Prize Court and a copy thereof delivered to the 
Petitioner. 
Article 31. — The case having been adjudicated, the essential points of 
the judgment shall be published in the Government 
Gazette. 
Article 32. — During the time when the case is under examination, the 
Prize Courts shall entrust the captured ship and cargo to 
the naval authorities for custody. 

The regulations for the above mentioned custody shall 
be made by the Minister of the Navy. 
Article 33. — A condemned ship or cargo shall become the property of 

the State. 
Article 34.- —The judgement shall be executed by the Procurators of 
the Local Prize Court. 

The Procurators may request the naval authorities and 
police officers to assist them in the execution of the 
judgment. 
Article 35. — Detailed regulations of procedure shall be made by the 
Prize Courts themselves. 

CHAPTER III. 
SUPPLEMENTAL. 

Article 36. — These regulations shall take effect from the day of then- 
promulgation. 

No. 117, 

A Presidential Mandate. 
[Translation.'] 
We hereby promulgate the Regulations Governing Captures 
at Sea. 

[Seal of the President.] 

Peking, 30th day, 10th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[October 30, [917.] 
Countersigned by 

Tuan Chi-jui, Premier. 

Wang Ta-hsieh, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Liu Kwan-hsiung, Minister of the Navy. 

Lin Chang-min, ■ Minister of Justice. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 
— ioo — 

No. 118, 

Instructional Mandate No. XXI. 
[Translation.'] 

REGULATIONS GOVERNiNG CAPTURES AT SEA. 

CHAPTER I. 
GENERAL PROVISIONS. 

Article i.— Warships of the Republic of China may, during the war, 

visit, search, and capture merchant ships in accordance 

'with these regulations. 
Article 2 —No visit, search, or capture shall be made within the 

territorial waters of a neutral country or in other neutral 

zones specified by international treaties. 
Article 3.— Ships referred to in these regulations as of enemy 

character are as follows : 

(1) Ships flying enemy flags. 

(2) Ships flying neutral flags but whose owners 
or some of whose owners are domiciled in 
'enemy countries. 

(3) Ships employed by enemy countries. 

(4) Ships transferred to persons domiciled in the 
Republic, or in a neutral country, before the 
war but in anticipation of its outbreak or 
daring the war an 1 whose transfer has not 
yet been completed and is not shown to have 
been made in good faith. 

Article 4-Goods referred to as of enemy character are as follows :— 

(1) Goods owned by persons domiciled in enemy 
countries. 

(2) Goods consigned to enemy countries, or to 
enemy subjects, by persons domiciled in the 
Republic, or in a neutral country before the 
war but in anticipation of its outbreak or 
during the war. 

(3) Enemy goods transferred to persons domiciled 
in the Republic, or in a neutral Country 
before the war but in anticipation of its 
outbreak, or during the war, and whose 
transfer has not yet been completed and has 
no evidence of its having been made bona fide. 



RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 101 — 

Article 5. — The domicile of a person is the definite district where he 

intends to reside permanently. 

The domicile of a legal person is the place where its 

head office is established. 
Article 6. — The term enemy country includes territory occupied by 

the enemy. 
Article 7.— The ship's papers referred to are as follows: — 

Certificate of Nationality of the vessel. 

Passport. 

Contract for Construction. 

Charter Party. 

Deed of Sale. 

Muster Roll. 

Permit for Navigation. 



W 

(?) 
(3) 
(4) 
(5) 
(6) 

(7) 

(8) "Logbook. 



(9) Ship's Journal. 

(10) Clearance papers. 

(11) Agreements for the employment of officers 
and crew. 

(12) Health Certificate. 

(13) Consignment papers. 

(14) Bills of Lading. 

(15) Freight List. 

It is not necessary that all the above mentioned papers 

should be complete, but only those which are required to 

be kept by the law of the country to which the ship 

belongs. 

Article 8. — Contraband of war is defined and regulated in the war 

time contraband regulations. 

These regulations shall be issued separately. 
Article 9. — Contraband persons are defined to be those persons in 

the military service of enemy countries. 
Article 10. — A blockade is defined to be the effective prohibition of 
communication with an enemy port by a naval squadron. 
The running of a blockade is defined to be an attempt 
to enter the area which has been notified as being under 
blockade. 
Article n. — A prize is defined to be that which has been condemned 
by a. Prize Court. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 102 ■ — 

CHAPTER II. 
VISIT. 

Article 12.- — The following merchant ships are subject to visit:— 

(i) Ships flying a Chinese or neutral flag but 
suspected of being an enemy ship. 

(2) Ships registered in the Republic but suspect- 
ed of having embarked on trade with the 
enemy without special permission from- the 
Government. 

(3) Ships registered in the Republic or in a 
neutral country but suspected of carrying 
contraband of war or contraband persons. 

(4) Ships registered in the Republic "or in a 
neutral country but suspected of running a 
blockade. 

(5) Ships registered in the Republic or in a 
neutral country but suspected of rendering 
assistance to the enemy, 

Article 13. — The Commanding Officer of a warship may order such 

suspected ships as arc mentioned in the above Article to 

stop and await a visit to be conducted. 

Orders for ships to stop shall be given by means of flag 

signals and steam whistles in the day time, while at 

night time white lantern lights shall be used in place of 

flag signals. 

In bad weather or if a merchant ship fails to obey 

orders to stop conveyed by means of whistles, flags, or 

lights, two blank shots may be fired. 
If, in spite of the blank shots, a merchant ship refuses 

to stop, then, loaded guns may be fired at her masts, and 

if she still refuses to stop, at her hull. 
Article 14.— After a merchant ship has stopped in obedience to 

orders, the Commanding Officer of the warship shall 

dispatch an officer to proceed with two marines in a boat 

to conduct the visit. 
Article 15 —After arrival on board the merchant ship, the visiting 

officer shall demand with courtesy the production of the 

ship's papers for examination, but if the Master of the 

merchant ship refuses to produce them, then compulsion 

may be applied. 



RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 103 — 

Article 16. — If, after examination of the papers, the visiting officer - 
considers that none of the grounds for suspicion mention- 
ed in Article 12 exists he shall immediately release the 
ship by- order of the Commanding Officer oi the warship. 

Article 17. — On leaving the merchant ship the visiting officer shall 
make an entry in her logbook stating when and where 
the visit was carried out and also of the names of the 
warship, the Commanding Officer, and his own. 

Article iS. — No visit shall be made on merchant ships convoyed by 
a neutral warship, but the Commanding Officer may 
request the Commanding Officer of the Convoy to make 
a written statement regarding the nature of the ship's 
cargo and destination, in order to show that there is no 
ground for suspicion as mentioned in Article 12. 

Article 19. — Visits shall be conducted on the merchant ships' own 
course of voyage. 

CHAPTER III. 

SEARCH. 

Article 20. — If the visiting officer finds after examining the ship's 
papers that there is ground for suspicion, he may then 
conduct a search. 

Article 21 — -The search shall be conducted in conjunction with the 
Master of the merchant ship or his representative. , • 

With regard to those places or furnitures which are 
under lock the Master of the merchant ship or his 
representative shall be ordered to open them, but if he 
refuses then such measures as are considered proper may 
be taken. 

Article 22.— If the visiting officer finds during or after the search 
that the ship should not be captured, he shall at once re- 
lease her by order of his Commanding Officer. 

Article 23. — In making the search the provisions of Articles 16 to iS 
inclusive may be applied. 

Article 24. — If the visiting officer finds after the search that the ship 
should be captured, he shall report to the Commanding- 
Officer to that effect and the capture shall then be made 
in accordance with the provisions of Chapter IV. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— ■ 104 — 
CHAPTER IV. 

CAPTURE. 

Article 25. — The following ships shall be captured : — 

(1) Enemy ships except the following when not connected 
with military affairs :— 

(a) Fishing vessels engaged along the coast and 
ships engaged in local trade, together with 
their cargo and appurtenances. 

(b) Ships engaged in religious, scientific or 
philanthropic work. 

(c) Hospital ships as defined in the Geneva 
Convention which has been adopted by the 
Hague Peace Conference in relation to naval 
warfare. 

(d) Cartel-ships. 

(2) Ships registered in the Republic but embarked on 
trade with the enemy without permission from the 
Government. 

(3) The following ships shall be captured whether they 
have been registered in the Republic or in neutral 

• countries. 

(a) Ships carrying contraband of war or con- 
traband persons. 

(b) Ships running a blockade. 

(c) . Ships engaged in scouting or other action 

connected with the war in the interest of the 
enemy. 

(d) Ships convoyed by enemy warships. 

(e) Ships resisting a visit or search. 

(f) Ships not having all the papers required by 
law or where there are circumstances tending 
to show the concealment, destruction, forgery, 
or inconsistency of the papers. 

Article 26. — After having decided to capture the ship, the Command- 
ing Officer of the warship shall communicate to the 
Master of the ship his reasons for doing so and shall 
dispatch a prize officer with a certain number of marines 
to take possession of the ship. 



RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 105 — 
Article 27. — After taking possession of the ship the Commanding 
Officer of the warship shall proceed to carry out thi 
following measures : 

(1) To seize the ship's papers. 

(2) To make an inventory of the cargo and other valuable 
articles. 

(3) To close and seal the holds. 

Article 28. — With the exception of those who are involved in acts of 
war, the treatment of all others on board the ship shall 
be regulated by the following provisions : — 

(1) The Master, officers, and crew of enemy nationality 
shall be considered as prisoners of war, but they may 
be released under a written promise not to engage 
either directly or indirectly in service connected with 
the war during its course. 

(2) The Master and officers of neutral nationality may 
not be considered as prisoners of war if they promise 
in writing that they will not serve on an enemy ship 
during the war. 

(3) The crew and others of neutral nationality may not 
be considered as prisoners of war. 

Article 29. — With the exception of prisoners of war and those who 
are necessarily required as witnesses, all passengers on 
board shall be permitted to land at the nearest port. 

Article 30. — Means shall be provided to send on to their destination 
all mail matter on board the ship except such as may 
have been dispatched from or to blockaded areas. 

Article 31. — The Commanding Officer of the warship shall as soon as 
possible make a detailed report to the Minister of the 
Navy of the conditions under which the ship has been 
captured. 

Article 32. — If the Commanding Officer of the warship discovers , 
after the capture, any circumstances which show that his 
action was not justified he shall release the ship at once. 

Article 33. — The Commanding Officer of the warship shall order the 
prize officer in possession to dispatch the captured ship to 
the port where the Local Prize Court is established and 
to submit all the ship's papers and evidences for 
adjudication. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 106 — 

rticle 34. — The Commanding Officer of the warship shall order a 
prize officer to make, in conjunction with the master of 
the captured ship, a report of all the goods which are 
found to be easily perishable and which therefore cannot 
be sent on with the ship. 

The Commanding Officer of the warship may publicly 
sell the above mentioned goods at the nearest port 
of the Republic or of a neutral country, permission 
having been duly obtained, but he shall enter the price 
of the articles sold in the logbook and forward an 
account to the Local Prize Court. 
Article 35. — The Commanding Officer of the warship may, under 
unavoidable circumstances of the following nature, 
destroy the captured ship, but before such destruction all 
persons, goods and papers on board shall be placed in 
safety : — 

(1) When the captured ship is no longer seaworthy. 

(2) When military movements might be seriously 
hampered by failing to destroy it. 

Article 36. — The Commanding Officer of the warship shall in case of 
emergency as mentioned in the above article forward an 
account, detailing the imperative reasons for the action 
taken, to the Local Prize Court and shall hold himself 
entirely responsible therefore. 

Article 37. — When the Commanding Officer of a warship re-captures 
a ship registered in the Republic or in a neutral country 
which had been captured but not yet employed by 
the enemy or dispatched to an enemy port by the 
enemy, he may release her. 

CHAPTER V. 
ADJUDICATION. 

Article 38.— A captured ship and cargo shall not be condemned 

except upon adjudication by the Prize Court. 
Article 39— Enemy ships shall be condemned. 

Enemy goods on enemy ships shall be condemned. 
Article 40.— Enemy goods on neutral ships shall not be condemned. 
Article 41.— Ships registered in the Republic and embarked on trade 

with the enemy without special permission from the 

Government shall be condemned. 



1 



RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 107 — 

Goods on the above mentioned ships except those 
belonging to the enemy or to the ship's owner shall not 
be condemned. 
Article 42. — Contraband of war shall be condemned. 

Goods belonging to owners of contraband of war shall 
be condemned. 
Article 43. — Ships carrying contraband of war shall be condemned 
under the following circumstances: — 

(1) When the owners of both the ship and the 
contraband of war are the same persons. 

(2) When the value, weight, bulk, and freight of 
the contraband of war amount to over one- 
half of the total goods on board. 

(3) When they make use of fraudulent means to 
carry contraband of war. 

Under the circumstances of section (3), the goods of 
the owners of the ships shall also be condemned. 

Article 44. — Contraband persons shall be considered as prisoners of 
war. 

Ships carrying contraband persons and enemy goods 
on board such ships shall be condemned except when 
the masters of the ships can prove that they have 
no previous knowledge of the true facts. 

Article 45. — Ships running a blockade and their cargo shall 
be condemned, but if the owners of the cargo can prove 
that they had no knowledge or intention of running the 
blockade, the cargo may be released. 

Article 46. — Ships engaged in scouting or other actions connected with 
the war in the interest of the enemy and their' owners' 
goods shall be condemned. 

Article 47. — Ships convoyed by enemy warships and their cargoes 
shall be condemned. 

Article 48. — Ships resisting visit or search shall be condemned. 
Enemy goods on board the above mentioned ships as well 
as those belonging to the masters and the owners of the 
ships shall be condemned. 

CHAPER VI. 

SUPPLEMENTAL. 

Article 49. — Matters not provided in these regulations shall be dealt 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 108 — 



\vi 



th in accordance with law, treaties and international 

usage. 
Article 50.— These regulations shall be enforced from the day of their 
promulgation. 



No. 119, 

Ministry of the Navy Order No. 126. 

[Translation.'] 

According to Article 32 of the Prize Court regulations, the 

Regulations governing the safe- keeping of captured property in the 

Naval Warehouse have been drawn up, and I hereby publish the 
same as follows. 

[ Seal of the Ministry.] 

Peking, 12th day, 12th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[December 12, 1917.] 

Liu Kwan-hsiung, Minister of the Navy. 

Regulations Governing the Safe-Keeping of Captured Property 
in the Naval Warehouse. 

[Translation.'] 

Article 1. — All captured property shall be placed in proper safe- 
keeping. 

Article 2. — During the period of safe-keeping, whenever any danger 
of putrefaction appears or there is any other reason why 
property must be speedily disposed of, the superinten- 
dent of the Naval Warehouse shall notify the Prize Court 
of the matter. 

Article 3. — Upon the receipt of a reply from the Prize Court to the 
effect that the captured property should be speedily 
disposed of within the period of safe-keeping, the 
superintendent of the Naval Warehouse shall report the 
name of the property, its quality, number, weight, 
estimated value and the way in which it is proposed to 
dispose of it, to the Minister of the Navy, and request 
him to issue orders for the disposition. 



RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 109 — 

Article 4. — When, in case of emergency, there is no time to ask for 
orders in accordance with the provisions of the preceding 
article, the superintendent may use his own discretion, 
but after the disposition shall have been made, the super- 
intendent shall report to the Minister of the Navy the 
circumstances requiring immediate action the mode in 
which the disposition was made, the name of the property, 
its quality, number, weight and estimated value. 

Article 5. — After the disposition shall have been completed, the 
Prize Court shall be furnished with a history of the 
disposition. A similar report shall be made to the 
Minister of the Navy. 

Article 6. —These regulations shall take effect from the date of their 
publication. 

No, 120. 

Presidential Mandate. 
[Translation.'] 

We hereby promulgate the Penal Laws Governing Prisoners of 
War. 

[Seal of the President.] 

Peking, 13th day, 12th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[December 13, 1917.] 
Countersigned by 

Wang Shi-cheng, Premier and Minister of War. 

Lou Tsen-tsiang, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Liu Kwan-hsiung, Minister of the Navy. 

Chiang Yung, Minister of Justice. 



No. 121. 

Instructional Mandate No. XXVII. 

[Translation.'] 

PENAL LAWS GOVERNING PRISONERS OF WAR. 

Article 1. — Any prisoner of war committing an act of resistance 
to or violence toward his superintendent, inspector, or 
escort, shall be punished with a term of imprisonment of 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— no — 

the third or fourth degree, and in case of extenuating cir- 
cumstances, the term of imprisonment may be mitigated 
to the fifth degree. 
Article a. — If a group of prisoners of war conspire to commit the 
offence or offences set forth in the preceding article, the 
leader of the group shall be punished with death, and 
the rest shall be sentenced either to indefinite imprison- 
ment or a term of imprisonment of the first degree. As 
to those whose guilt may be mitigated on account of 
extenuating circumstances, each one shall be punished 
with a term of imprisonment varying from the second to 
the fourth degree. 

Article 3. — In a conspiracy for a general escape, the leader shall be 
punished by a term of imprisonment of the first degree, 
each of the followers shall be punished with a term of 
imprisonment varying from the second to the fourth 
degree, and on the still less responsible ones, a term of 
imprisonment of the fifth degree may be imposed. 

Article 4.— In case prisoners of war, after their escape, are recap- 
tured within Chinese territory, they shall be punished 
either with the strict confinement or simple confinement, 
according to the Disciplinary Instructions of the Army. 

Article 5.— In case a prisoner of war has been released to return to 
his country upon having given his pledge on his honor, if 
he should break his pledge and be again captured, he 
shall be punished with death or life imprisonment or a 
term of imprisonment of the first degree. 
— In the case of a prisoner of war who has escaped beyond 
Chinese territory and who has been subsequently recap- 
tured, the regulations contained in Articles 1, 2, and 3. 
do not apply to the crime or crimes committed by him 
before his escape. 

Article 7.— The trial and punishment of prisoners of war shall be 
conducted by the duly organized Military Court. 

Article 8.— These regulations shall take effect from the date of their 
promulgation. 



Article 6. 



PART V. 

Concerning the Treatment of Enemy Persons and 
Enemy Property. 



Jv 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— in — 

No. 122. 

The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of War to the 
Military and Civil Governors of the Provinces, etc. 

[ Telegram — Translation.'] 

Peking, 15th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 15, 1917.] 
To the Military aud Civil Governors of all the Provinces, the 
Military Commissioners of Shanghai and Ning-Hsia, the Lieutenant- 
Generals of Jehol, Kalgan, and Kwei-Hwa, the Resident-General 
of Altai, .and the Garrison Commissioner of the Szechuan Frontiers : 
As the severance of diplomatic relations between China and 
Germany has been proclaimed, the following regulations respecting 
the protection of German residents in China have been adopted. 

(1) Those German residents who desire to leave China shall 
submit particulars concerning their respective names, ages, residential 

addresses and occupations to the Central Government through the 
local officials or military officers ; and after permission has been 
obtained and passports have been granted, they shall be escorted 
on their departure by suitable soldiers and police to be assigned by the 
local civil officials or military officers. 

(2) Germans who have been permitted to leave China may carry 
along with them their belongings as much as they can except those 
articles for military use, but such belongings must be examined in 
accordance with the regulations governing such examination. 
Property, left in China by them shall be dealt with according to the 
regulations governing the treatment of such property. Such regula- 
tions will be telegraphed in full later. 

(3) After the necessary formalities as prescribed in Articles (1) 
and (2) have been performed, the local civil official or the local 
senior military officer shall order the said Germans to leave the coun- 
try within a suitable time. Prior to their departure, however, they 
shall observe the Regulations respecting their protection while residing 
in China. 

(4) The route which they are to take shall be determined by the 
Chinese Government. 

(5) With regard to the escort of the Germans by soldiers and 
police, adequate military escort shall be dispatched for protection 
according to the requirements of the local conditions, until the 
Germans leave the local jurisdiction and are placed in charge of the 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 112 — 

soldiers and police of the neighboring locality. This shall be continued 
until the Germans reach the limits of Chinese territorial jurisdiction. 

(6) The local senior official and senior military officer shall on the 
Germans' departure, notify the neighboring authorities so that the 
latter may have an escorting squad ready in order to avoid delay. 

(7) The escorting soldiers and police upon arrival at the neigh- 
boring district where the Germans are to be handed over, shall 
secure from them statements of their safe departure which shall 
be submitted to the Central Government by the respective local 
senior official. (The statements of their departure from China 
are especially important.) 

(8) The Local Civil Officials or Military officers s*hall hire for the 
Germans all necessary vehicles or vessels that may be required to 
carry them and their belongings. 

Reply upon receipt of this telegram. 

[Seal] Ministry of the Interior. 
[Seal] Ministry of War. 

No. 123. 

The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of War to the Military 

and Civil Governors of the Provinces etc. 

[Telegram— Translation. ] 

Peking, 15th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 15, 1917.] 
To the Military and Civil Governors of all the Provinces, the 
Military Commissioners of Shanghai and Ning-Hsia, the Lieutenant- 
Generals of Jehol, Kalgan and Kwei-Hwa, the Resident-General of 
Altai and the Garrison Commissioner of the Szechuan Frontiers. 

Please take note of the following regulations which have been 
adopted for the protection of German merchants and missionaries in 

China. 

(1) These regulations shall apply to all German merchants and 

missionaries residing in China, except those who are in military 
service, for whose treatment separate regulations have been adopted. 

(2) German merchants and missionaries may continue to 
reside at the places where they are now located in China, pursue their 
callings of a peaceful nature, and enjoy the protection of their persons 
and property, but they must observe all the laws and regulations 
which are now in force or may be enacted from time to time. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 113 ~ 

(3) German merchants and missionaries residing in China shall 
register their names, residential addresses and occupations at the 
office of the local authority within two days of the receipt of these 
Regulations. 

(4) The local authorities shall issue registration certificates to 
the said German merchants and missionaries after they have so 
registered. 

(5) German merchants and missionaries who have registered 
may remove to another locality but before doing so they shall present 
their registration certificates to the local authorities of the first 
place of residence for examination and cancellation, and receive in 
exchange therefor a permit for removal, Within two days of 
their removal they shall present the permit to the local authori- 
ties of the new locality for cancellation and shall further observe 
the provisions in Articles 3 and 4. 

(6) German merchants and missionaries who fail to register 
according to these regulations may be ordered to leave China or 
remove to a specified area on a fixed date. 

(7) Any German merchants or missionaries residing in China 
who have implements of war and articles for military use in their 
possession, shall within two days of the receipt of these regulations 
report to the nearest examining office and await inspection. 

(8) Any German merchants or missionaries in China involved in 
violation of the law or any branch of peace or whose conduct is 
calculated to be detrimental to the interests of China, or being sus- 
pected of any of the above, may be expelled from the country on 
a fixed date or prohibited from removing their residences or travel- 
ling, or may be placed under supervision or subjected to any other 
restrictive measures which are considered proper. 

(9) The privileges granted under Articles 2 and 5 may be 
restricted when circumstances so require. 

(.10) After the publication of these Regulations, German mer- 
chants or missionaries shall not be permitted to enter Chinese 
territory except with the permission of the Government to be obtain- 
ed through the local authority. 

Reply upon receipt of this telegram. 

. - [Seal] Ministry of the Interior. 

[Seal] Ministry of War. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 114 — 
No. 124. 

The Minister of War to the Minister oj Foreign Affairs. 
[Letter — Translation.] 

Peking, 16th day, 3rd month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[March 16, 1917.] 

Sir, 

The severance of diplomatic relations between China and Ger- 
many has already been promulgated in a Presidential Order. This 
Ministry has now drawn up regulations governing the provisional 
inspection and the disposition of the German public and private 
properties which can be used for military purposes. 

Circular telegrams have already been sent to the senior officiate of 
the different provinces and special Administration Areas. Besides 
sending copies of the said telegrams to the various departments, I 
have the honor to enclose copies of the same for your information. 

[sd.] Tuan Chi-jui. 

Enclosures : as stated. 

{Enclosure 1.) 
[Circular Telegram — Translation .] 
The Minister of War to the Military and Civil Governors of the 
Provinces, the Lieutenant-Generals of Jehol, Kalgan and, Kwei-Hwa, 
Military Commissioners of Shanghai and Ning-Hsia, Resident Com- 
missioner of Altai, and Garrison Commissioner of the Szechuan 
Frontiers. 

Peking, 15th day, 3rd month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[March 15, 1917.] 

(Urgent.) 

Please take note of the following provisional regulations. 

(1) Whether the civil officials and subjects of the country, 
with which we have severed diplomatic relations should 
thereafter be still permitted to live within Chinese territory, or 
should be moved to quarters fixed by the Chinese Government, 
shall be determined according to the provisions of these Regulations, 
and subjected to provisional inspections. 

(2) Provisional inspections consist of the following: 

(a) Inspection of residence. 

(b) Inspection of baggage. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 115 — 

(3) By inspection of residence it is meant that the places where 
persons are permitted to live, to trade, or to preach continuously, i.e. 
their homes, shops, or churches, are all subject to provisional inspec- 
tion. 

(4) By inspection of baggage it is meant that when persons 
are to be moved to quarters fixed by the Chinese Government, or 
when they are in course of travel, their baggage and belongings 
are subject to provisional inspection. 

(5) When the provisional inspection is being enforced, in case 
the following articles are discovered, they may be confiscated. 

(a) Explosives or materials for manufacturing explosives. 

(b) All books, maps, or notes, not for sale, concerning 

Chinese Military Affairs. 

(6) When' provisional inspection is being enforced, in case 
the following articles are discovered, they may be moved to the 
Yamen of the local offi cials for safe-keeping, the same to be returned 
to the owners after peace shall have been restored. 

(a) Privately owned shot-guns or pistols as well as ammuni- 
tion for the same. 

(b) Swords and daggers, etc. which might be used for 
military purposes. 

(c) Guns and cannon as well as ammunition for the same. 

(d) Articles used for military purposes, such as saddles, 
sacks, canteens and instruments for works, -etc. (However, saddles 
for individual use are exempted.) 

(e) Air-ships with all of their accompanying parts. 

All the articles stated above are subject to requisition by the 
Chinese Government in case of military necessity. 

(7) These regulations shall be enforced by the branch Bureau 
of Inspection established by the local senior military officials. 

A reply is expected after you have received this telegram. 

[sd.] Tuan Chi-jui. 
(Znclosure 2.) 
[Cicular Telegram — Translation. 1 
The Minister of War to the Military and Civil Governors of all 
the Provinces, the Lieutentant-Generals of Jehol. Kalgan and 
Kwei-Hwa, Military Commissioners of Shanghai and Ning-Hsia, the 
Resident Commissioner of Altai and the Garrison Commissioner 0/ the 
Szechuan Frontiers. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 116 — 

Peking, 15th day, 3rd month. 
6th year of the Republic. 
[Mareh 15, 1917.] 
(Urgent.) 
This Ministry has drawn up regulations governing the disposition 
of the German public and private properties, which are convertible 
to military uses. 

(1) All German properties on Chinese territory, (excluding those 
that are not for military uses and therefore shall be disposed of 
according to special regulations,) which are for military uses, such as 
wireless stations, barracks, structures for defence, air-ships, military 
weapons, explosives, large quantities of steel, copper lead, and iron, 
etc, as well as manufactured articles for military uses, shall be 
registered in an inventory by the German officials or their representa- 
tives; the said inventory shall be handed over to the local senior 
officials or senior military officers, who shall appoint a delegate to 
examine same jointly with the German officials and mark clearly on 
the inventory the words, "Government," "Public" or "Private," and 
the parties who make the examination shall endorse their signatures 
on the inventory. Each party shall keep a copy of the inventory 
as proof. Thereupon the properties may be taken over. 

As to military weapons, which belong to the German army 
they shall be treated according to the regulations governing disarming. 

(2) The Civil officials or Military officers, after taking over the 
properties, shall seal them up, and place guards to watch over them. 
The properties shall also be classified according to their government, 
public or private, ownership, and a report of the same shall be sent 
to the Central Government. 

(3) All properties taken over under Sections 5 and 6 of the 
Regulations governing Provisional Inspection, shall be disposed of 
in accordance with the provisions of Section 2 of these regulations. 

Reply upon receipt of this telegram. 
[sd.] Tuan Chi-jui. 

No, 125. 

The Special Commissioner of Foreign Affairs for Chihli id the 

Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[ Telegram — Translation . ] 

Tientsin, 16th day, 3rd, month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 16, 1917.] 

Oil • 

This morning, I, together with Mr. Yang Yi-teh, Commissioner of 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 117 — 

Police, and M. Munthe, a foreign officer, held a conference with the 
German Consul. At 3 o'clock p.m., we went to the German Consulate 
with a police force of three hundred men. Then in company 
with the German Consul we went to the German Municipal Council 
building which was handed over to us whereupon the Chinese flag Was 
hoisted, and an additional force of Chinese policemen was dispatched 
to police the district, while the original policemen were instructed to 
wear the Chinese police uniform. Subsequently we went to the 
German barracks, took over the arms and ammunition, and assigned a 
number of police officers to guard the same. There were no soldiers 
in the barracks, but as the special delegate of the Netherlands 
Minister has taken charge of it, the Netherlands flag has been hoisted 
over it; we went there and requested the Netherlands Delegate to 
hoist the Chinese flag, but he said that he must ask his Minister for 
instructions concerning this matter. I have the honor to report by 
telegraph to you these facts relating to the taking over of the German 
Concession. 

[sd.] Hwang Yung-liang. 

No. 126. 

The Military Governor of Hupeh to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 
[Telegram — Translation.'] 

Wuchang, 18th Day, 3rd Month, 
6th Year of the Republic. 
[March iS\ 19 17.] 
Wai Chiao Pu, Peking. 

German Concession at Hankow was taken over on the afternoon 
of the 15th instant. German Consul has already suspended his 
functions, whereupon German Municipal Council handed over the 
police power to the Police Department of Hankow. The Chinese 
policemen hired by the Council have donned Chinese police uniforms. 
Police patrols have been increased by the Police Department. German 
Consul has presented a written memorandum stipulating that neither 
side should change the usual state of affairs. We have counted and 
examined the arms and ammunition both on yesterday and to-day, 
and have completed the same. Bureau of Inspection has been 
established. Peace and quiet prevail. We have instructed the 
populace to refrain from manifesting any hostility toward the German 
residents. Regarding the protection given to the German residents, 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 118 — 
merchants and missionaries, and the disposition of articles of military 
value, they are managed by special commissions. As there is a 
German employe in the Hanyang Iron Works, we have notified the 
manager of said Works to take precautions and instructed the local 
authorities to give protection. There is also a German teacher at the 
Hupeh Foreign Language School. According to telegraphic instruc- 
tions from the Ministry of Education, the contract continues to be in 
effect and proper precautions are to be maintained. We have already 
notified the Bureau of Inspection immediately to inspect all the 
companies and depots inside and outside the German Concession, 
where arms and munitions were formerly sold. Will telegraph further 
developments later on. 

Wang Chan-yuan. 



No. 127. 

The Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

[ D ispatch — Translation . ] 

Peking, 20th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 20, 1917.] 
The Ministry of the Interior begs to inform the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs that it has telegraphed to all the Authorities concerned 
inside and outside of Peking communicating to them the Rules of 
Procedure which it has adopted for the disposition of German 
property in China and informing them of the necessary steps to be 
taken therefor. A printed copy of the telegram is herewith inclosed 
for the information of your Ministry. 

[;d.] Fan Yuan-lien. 

Acting Minister of the Interior. 
Enclosure : as stated. 

(Indosure.) 
[ Telegram—Translation . ] 
_ To the Military and Civil Governors of all the Provinces, Commis- 
sioners of Military Affairs of Shanghai and Ning-Hsia, the Lieutenant 
Tj',, °' f ^ eM ' Kal S au and Kwei-Hwa, the Resident Commissioner 
"/ • Itm, and the Garrison Commissioner of Szechuan Frontiers. 

Please note the following Rules of Procedure which this Ministrv 
has adopted for the disposition of German property in China. ' 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 119 — 

i. The following rules apply to all classes of property except 
those which are used in connection with military affairs, 
railways and steamers and those for which regulations 
have already been adopted. 

2. All goods and houses, state-owned or public -owned, together 
with other movable and immovable properties outside the 
Legation Quarter or outside the Concessions which at present 
have no one to take charge of them or which cannot be taken 
charge of, shall be sealed or guarded by persons to be 
appointed by the official concerned. 

Regarding privately owned property, the official concern- 
ed shall upon ascertainment notify the Consul of the neutral 
country to which Germany has entrusted her interests. 
However, in such cases the regulations provided in the 
preceding article will still be observed. If the owner desires 
to delegate a third party to take charge of his property, 
permission must be obtained from the official concerned. 

3. During the time of guarding or sealing and safe- 
keeping of the property by those delegates, goods and 
other movable property may, if circumstances demand 
it or for the sake of convenience, be removed to a 
suitable place for protection or sale as the case may 
require. 

4. In dealing with the property, such particulars as number, 
measure, weight, and kind should be ascertained in the 
presence of, and in conjunction with the person originally in 
charge of the property and 'a detailed list made and signed 
by both parties. This should be kept on record and a report 
should be submitted to the high official concerned. 

With regard to those properties which no one takes charge 
of, the high local office should first be informed thereof and 
then their particulars should be ascertained and a list be 
prepared for report and kept on record according to the 
above regulations. 

If there should be any goods that ought to be sold, their 
prices should be marked on the list and, if there is any person 
originally in charge of the said goods, his approval must be 
obtained. 

5. The official concerned referred to in these regulations is the 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 120 — 

Chief of Police, or if there is no police office at the place, the 
Magistrate. 

Except by Act of God or through force majeure or for 
reasons which ,do not arise out of neglect, the official con- 
cerned shall be held entirely responsible for any damage done 
to the properties which are guarded, sealed or kept according 
to the above regulations. 

Upon the happening of any damage, as above mentioned 
it should be reported to the high official concerned and com- 
municated to the Consul of the neutral country to which 
Germany has entrusted her interests. 
Please reply after receipt of this telegram. 

Ministry of the Interior. 



No. 128, 

The Special Commissioner of Foreign Affairs for Hupeh to the 
Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Letter— Translation—Extract.] 

Wuchang, 20th day, 3rd month. 

6th year of the Republic. 

Your Excellency: [March 20, i 9I7 .] 

I received on the 19th instant a letter from the Hupeh Military 
Governor Wang stating that he had received a telegram dated the iSth 
from the Cabinet Office and asking "me to take note of it and to act 
accordingly. The telegram is as follows :— 

Your telegram dated the i 7 th received. With regard to the 
Delegate of the Netherlands Minister arriving at Hankow to 
effect the transfer of affairs we are just negotiating with the 

"orofed m , P :! dng - ASS0 ° naS WC ^ upon "the deta 

of procedure we shall inform you by telegram. The German Consul 
must leavers country via Shanghai with the German Minister. 

Apart from obeying the above instructions, I beg to report 
that on the x 5 th instant, I, together with the police, took over the 
German Concession at Hankow from the German Consul, arrangements 
having already been made for its protection and control according to 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 121 — 

regulations speedily adopted. * 

Besides reporting to the Military and Civil Governors of Hupeh, I 
now beg to inclose for your information a copy of the agreement 
signed with the German Consul and others for the transfer of the 
German Concession to us. 

I have, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ch'ung-lien. 

Enclosure : as stated. 

[Inclosure — Translation.'] 
Declaration of Mr. Wu Chung-lien, Commissioner of Foreign Affairs 
in taking over the German Concession at Hankow. 

Witnesses : — 

S. E. Wu Chung Lien. Kerr. W. Stoller 

Herr. Chao Tsi Yuen. Herr. E. Mivow. 

Heir. Lui Ming Chao. Herr. W. Dubber. 

Herr. Schwei Yuan Chun. Herr. R. Herbertz. 

Herr. Hwang Ang Tsai. Herr. G. Rochreke. 

Herr. Konsul Dr. Voretzsch. Herr. C. H. Roggs. 

Herr. R. Jankowski. Herr. C. Grapow. 

Herr. Ho Tsu Ju. Herr. M. v. Aremd. 

Herr. J. Lipporte. 

Mr. Wu declares that he has received instruction from the 
Chinese Government to take over the German Concession. 

In the presence of the Members of the Board, the said Concession 
is handed over to the Chinese Commissioner of Foreign Affairs Mr. 
Wu by the German Consul Dr. Voretzsch, who at the same time 
protests in the name of his Government against the handing over of 
the said Concession and reserves all the rights and claims which arise 
out of the situation. 

Mr. Wu makes full declaration to the effect that the security, 
freedom and protection of the lives and property of the Germans in 
the Concession will be guaranteed in equal measure as it has hitherto 
been in the German Concession as well as in the Province of Hupeh, 
and he takes over the German Concession and assumes the duty in 
the place of the German Consul in accordance with the Municipal 
Regulations, a copy of which has been given to him by the German 
Consul. Mr. Wu declares further that in regard to the internal 
administration of the Concession which is in the hands of the Municipal 
Board no changes will be introduced, while the administration will be 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 122 — 

carried out in future under Mr. Wu's co-operation as it has hitherto 
been under the German Consul. 

In conjunction with the Police Chief, Mr. Chao, Mr. Wu declares 
that the German Police will be under Mr. Chao's control, but the 
personnel of the Police shall remain the same in the interest of public 
order until further notice, while changes will only be effected in the 
matter of uniform (Chinese uniform will be adopted in order to 
serve as a distinguishing mark,) and the dismissal of members of the 
police force who are unfit for service. 

[March 15, 1917. ] 



No. 129. 

The Customs Buye.au to the Office of the Cabinet. 
[Letter — Translation . ] 

Peking, 22nd day, 3rd month, 
Oth year of the Republic. 

[March 22, 1917.] 
Sir : 

A telegram from Mr. Lo Chang, Commissioner of Foreign Affairs 
at Amoy, has just been received setting forth the details concerning 
the taking over of the German merchant vessels. A copy of the said 
telegram is appended hereunder for your consideration. 

[sd.] The Customs Bureau. 
Enclosure : as stated. 

[Inclosnre — Translation. ] 
Telegram from the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at Amoy. 

Amoy, 14th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 14, 1917.] 
To Wai Chiao Pu, Chiao Tung Pu and the Customs Bureau. 

A telegram has already been sent to you reporting the presence 
of the German vessel Keong Wai at Amoy. To-day, the Captain 
of Chiang Heng, under the orders of his superior, came to 
declare the intention of taking over the said German vessel and 
of watching the movement of her officers. The Keong Wai has been 
in Amoy for two years. The matter admitted of no delay since the 
Captain of Chiang Heng was ordered to take her over. There- 
upon, on the one hand, I came to an understanding with the In- 



the treatment of enemy persons and property. 

— 123 — 

spector of Customs for the dispatch of a German Mr. Maasberg of the 
Harbour Office to go aboard the said vessel in conjunction with the 
Captain of the Chiang Heng. At 3 p.m. they boarded the vessel and 
it was found that the crew on board the Keoug Wai was composed of 
one Captain, one officer, one chief engineer and four Chinese servants. 
They were taken ashore by the Harbour Officer, and on the other 
hand, I, in my private capacity interviewed the German Consul and 
arranged all other necessary affairs. Now the said vessel has been 
taken over. 

[sd.] Lo Chang. 

No. 130. 

The Acting Minister of the Interior to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Despatch — Translaiio n . ] 

Peking, 22nd day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic- 
[March 22, 1917.] 
Sir: 

This Ministry has already jointly telegraphed to the different pro- 
vinces and special areas on the 21st inst. the regulations which have 
been jointly drawn up concerning the issuing of passports to the 
■German merchants and missionaries, for moving and travelling. I beg 
1:o enclose herewith a copy of the said telegram for your Ministry to 

put on file. 

[sd.] Fan Yuan -lien. 
Enclosure : as stated. 

[ Inclos ure — Telegram — Translation.] 
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister 0} the Inferior 
and the Minister of War to the Military and Civil Governors of all the 
Provinces, the Lieutenant-Generals of fehol, Kalgan and. Kwei- 
Hwa, the Military Commissioners of Shanghai and Ning-Hsia, the 
Resident Commissioner of Altai and the Garrison Commissioner of 
Szechuan Frontiers. 

Peking, 21st day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 21, 1917.] 
Sir: 

" Most Urgent. 

Please act according to the following regulations, which we have 
jointly drawn up, for the issuing of passports for moving and travel- 
ling to German merchants and missionaries. ■ 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 124 — 

A. (1) In accordance with the regulations for the protection of 
'German merchants and missionaries within Chinese territory, Article 
5, the offices that issue passports for moving shall record on 
the passports the names, occupation, date of departure, destination of 
moving, route, personal effects, and other items which deserve 
recording. At the same time, a report bearing all the above informa- 
tion is to be sent to the offices within whose jurisdiction the said 
persons will move. 

(2) The above stated passport for moving cannot be used as 
a passport for travelling. 

B. (1) All German merchants and missionaries who ask for pass- 
■-ports for travelling must declare the purpose for which they travel, 
and write on the passports all the necessary information which should 
be verified by the consul of a neutral country who has been instructed 
to take charge of their interests, or guaranteed by some credible 
merchants of the place of residence. The application so made shall be 
■presented to the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs who must ask for 
instructions from the Central Government before issuing the passports 
applied for. However, in case the Germans wish to travel to some 
place where facilities of communication are lacking, or where martial 
law is in force, nu passport shall be issued, while the issuing of pass- 
ports to travellers and missionaries shall also be suspended. 

(2) On the above mentioned passports, there should be 
written the following information concerning the traveller:— 

(a) Name. 

(b) Occupation. 

(c) Place of destination. 

(d) Purpose of travel. 

(e) Dates of departure and return. 

(f) Route of travel. 

(g) Personal effects. 

(h) All other information that should be recorded. 

(3) The Commissioner of Foreign Affairs, after issuing the 
passports, should send copies of the information which is 
given in the passports to the local officials of the places through 
which the travellers will pass, and to the local officials of the place of 
destination. 

(4) The travellers are subject to inspection in accordance 
with the Regulations Governing Provisional Inspection, 

(5) The travellers, while en route, should immediately pre- 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY, 

— 125 — 
sent their passports for inspection, whenever the local officials wish to 
inspect the same. Those who have already reached their destination, 
should immediately request the local officials to inspect their passports, 
to seal and verify them. The said passports still have to be taken 
back for cancellation within the time limit. In case obstacles should 
be encountered en route which prevent the travellers from proceding 
according to fixed dates, and they are compelled to delay in a 
certain locality, or in case the travellers wish to turn back, they 
should in either case report to the local officials of the locality. When 
the delay is over one month, or if after reaching the place of destina- 
tion the traveller should wish to continue residing there, he must apply 
for registration, according to the regulations for the protection of 
German merchants and missionaries within Chinese territory, and 
the passport for travelling must be presented for cancellation. 
Please reply after receiving this telegram. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 
[sd.] Fan Yuan-lien. ' 
[sd.] Tuan Chi-jui. 



No, 131, 

The Acting Military Governor and the Civil Governor of Kwang-tung 
to the Chief of Staff, the Minister of the Navy, and the Minister 
of Foreign Affairs. 

{Circular Telegram — Translation.] 

Canton, 27th day, 3rd month. 
6th Year of the Republic. 
[March 27, 1917.] 
Sir: 

We have already reported by telegram on the 20th inst. of the 
disposal of the German vessel, Tsing Tao, by the Provincial Authori- 
ties of Kwang-tung. 

Now, Delegate Chang Chih-lung has reported that he and In- 
spector Teng Tsung-pao have jointly inspected all the properties on 
board the German vessel, and have handed over the same to the 
Naval Office at Hwang Pu for safe-keeping. Inventories have been 
made in the Chinese and German languages, copies of which have 
been signed by a German from the said vessel, and by Inspector Teng. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 126 — 
Each party keeps a copy of the said inventory as proof. Inspector 
Teng has sent to us a copy of the said inventory. Besides sending 
copies of the inventory for your information ourselves, we have also 
instructed Inspector Teng to make reports directly. 

-[sd.] Tan Hao-ming. 
[sd.] Chu Ching-lan. 



No. 132. 

The Minister of the Interior to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[ Dispatch — Translatio n . ] 

Peking, 28th day, 3rd month, 
6th Year of the Republic. 
[March 28, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

For the information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the 
Ministry of the Interior begs to inclose herewith a copy of the rules of 
procedure which it has adopted for the assumption of control of the 
German Concessions and of which the Military and Civil Governors of 
Chihli and Hupeh have also been respectively requested by telegraph 
to take notice that they may act in accordance therewith. 

[sd ] Fan Yuan-lien. 

Acting Minister of the Interior. 
Enclosure : as stated. 

[Inclosure — Translation.^ 
Riiles of Procedure Governing the Assumption of Control of 
German Concessions. 
1 — The German Concessions after being taken over shall be recogniz- 
ed as Special Areas, for the control of which temporary bureaux 
shall be constituted in Tientsin and Hankow. A Chief of Bureau 
shall be appointed for each of the Special Areas on the recom- 
mendation of the Ministry of the Interior, to control police and 
other administrative affairs therein and also to carry out police 
and other administrative measures. 

All matters relating to foreign affairs shall be handled by the 
Chief of the Bureau in conjunction with the Commissioner of 
Foreign Affairs of the Province. 
2.— The original Municipal Council of the Area shall, under the 
direction of the Chief of Bureau, deal with all matters pertaining, 
to self-government. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 127 — 

If the Chief of the Bureau deems it necessary for the above 
mentioned affairs of self-government to be handled by other bodies, 
he shall petition the highest Local Official to request the Ministry 
of the Interior to give its due consideration to the matter. 

Resolutions passed at a rate payers' meeting of the Munici- 
pality sha 1 ! not be enforced without the approval of the Chief of 
the Bureau. 
3.- —All the existing rules and regulations Governing the administra- 
tion of the said Areas as well as the police regulations and rules of 
taxation shall be temporarily enforced as formerly except those 
which are in conflict with the laws, rules and regulations at present 
in force in China, and those which are unsuitable to the treatment 
of residents within the Areas. These conflicting rules shall be 
nullified and rules which under certain circumstances are con- 
sidered necessary shall be amended, as each case may require. 

All laws, rules and regulations enacted by China may also be 
enforced within the said Areas according to circumstances. 

No. 133. 

The Minister of War to the Minister 0/ Foreign Affairs. 
\_Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, 29th day, 3rd month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 29, 1917 ] 
Sir: 

I have received your letter, stating that "the German Minister 

has already left Peking, and a place should be selected for the 
officers and soldiers of the German Legation. Please inform me 
whether or not you have already selected such a place, and also how 
they are to be taken there, in order that I may take the matter up 
with the Netherlands Legation. I beg to enclose herewith a 
copy of a letter from the Netherlands Legation, and two lists of the 
German soldiers," etc. 

In reply, I beg to state that a place has already been selected, 
and regulations, consisting of 4 articles, have been drawn up for the 
transportation of the said soldiers. A copy of the said regulations is 
herein enclosed. Please take up the matter with the Netherlands 
Legation. 

I have, etc. 

[rd.] Tuan Chi-jui. 
Enclosure : as stated. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 128 — 
(I?wlosure — Translation.) 
Regulations Governing the Conveyance of the German soldiers 
to the Internment Camp. 

(1) All German officers and soldiers who are to be interned 
should meet inside the entrance of Chung Hua Men on the morning of 
April 2nd at 9 o'clock, and wait there until the Chinese officers call 
the roll and take them over . 

Each person may bring with him to the internment camp his 
clothes and baggage. But there is no need to bring any bedstead. 
The clothes and baggage may be brought to the meeting place, in 
order to be taken along. 

(2) The Ministry of War has appointed Hsiao Chuin-sung as a 
delegate to take over the Germans on the morning of April 2nd at 
9 o'clock at Chung Hua Men. 

(3) All German officers and soldiers will go on foot to _the 
internment camp with the Chinese officer who will take charge of 

them. 

(4) The internment camp is located at Long Rim Yuan, which 

is situated near Hai Tien. 

i4o. 134, 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking 
[Memorandum — Translation.] 

Peking. 31st dav, 3rd month.. 
6th year of the Republic. 
[March 31, 1917.] 
The existing diplomatic relations between China and Germany 
having been broken off, the Chinese Government in the interest of 
the better treatment of German subjects residing in China, has 
decided that, in spite of the principle of International Law which does 
not permit the delegation to another state of the rights of consular 
jurisdiction growing out of the Chino-German treaties, all cases con- 
cerning German subjects, civil or criminal, which have in the past 
been tried and adjudicated by the German Consuls functioning in 
China, shall hereafter be tried and adjudicated by the Netherlands 
Consuls functioning in China, with the exception, however, of those 
criminal cases provided for in the Chinese Criminal Code, which 
shall be tried and adjudicated by the Chinese tribunals 

Accordingly there is enclosed herewith for the information of the 
Netherlands Minister a copy of the Provisional Regulations for the 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 129 — 

Trial of Criminal Cases affecting Germans, as formulated by the 
Chinese Government. The Wai Chiao Pu requests the Netherlands 
Minister to communicate the same to the Netherlands Consuls func- 
tioning in China. 
Enclosure : as stated. 

[Inclosure — Translation.) 

Provisional Regulations Governing the Trial of Germans in 
Criminal Cases. 

ARTICLE I. 

Where a German subject is charged with an offence made punish- 
able by any of the following articles of the Provisional Criminal Code, 



the case 


shall 


be tried 


and 


adjudicated by a Chinese Law Court, 


that is : 










(1) 


Arts. 


101, 104. 




(8) Arts. 186-189, 191-194. 


(2) 


Arts. 


no, in, 


113- 


(9) Arts. 203-205. 


(3) 


Arts. 


118-120, 




(10) Arts. 210-212, 215, 216. 


(4) 


Arts. 


133-136. 




(n) Art. 22r. 


(5) 


Arts. 


153-155- 




(.12) Arts. 311, 313. 


(6)- 


Arts. 


164, 165. 




(13) Arts. 370,373,374. and 376. 


(7) 


Arts. 


168-171. 




(14) Art. 403. 



If a German subject is charged with any offence other than those 
provided in the above-mentioned articles, and such offence affects 
the peace and order of China, the case shall in case of necessity 
also be tried and adjudicated by a Chinese Law Court. 

ARTICLE II. 

With the exception of those offences provided for in Article VI, 
Sections 3 and 4 of the Draft Code of Criminal Procedure, the 
original jurisdiction over all criminal cases provided for in the 
previous article shall be exercised by a Municipal Court. If in 
any district no such Municipal Court is in existence, the. authorities 
of that district shall cause the case to be removed to a neighboring 
Municipal Court for trial. In Sinkiang, Jehol, Sui-Yuan or Chahar, 
the duties and powers of the Municipal Court shall be performed 
and exercised by the Bureau for the Preparation of Judicial Adminis- 
tration, the Judicial Bureau of the Office of the Tartar General or the 
Local Court attached to the said Judicial Bureau. 

With the exception of the specification of the jurisdictions above- 
mentioned, the provisions of the Law Governing the Organization of 
Courts and of other Statutes and Mandates shall apply to questions 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 13° — 
pertaining to trial and procedure in the criminal cases provided in 
the previous article. 

ARTICLE III. 

Where either the nature of a criminal case demands that the 
accused German subject be detained pending trial, or when a judgment 
against him calls for its execution, the detention or execution of the 
judgment, is to be carried out in a prison of the new model. 

ARTICLE IV. 

These regulations shall take effect on and from the date of their 
promulgation. 

Ho. 135. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Civil Governor of Shansi. 

[ Dispatch — Translation. ] 

Peking, 4th day, 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[April 4, 1917.] 
Excellency: 

The Ministry of Communications in a dispatch to us states that 
all the Germans employed in the different Services have been notified 
to suspend the performance of their duties, and instructions have been 
sent to investigate and report upon their ages, local addresses, and 
whether they have families or not. Now reports have been received 
from the Offices of the Directors of the Hankow-Canton-Szechuan and 
Tientsin-Pukovv Railways and the Directorate-General of Post stating 
that the localities reported are the places where the Germans are now 
residing and that any changes of residence in the future will be 
reported from time to time. 

The Ministry of Communications has also sent a copy of the 
list of names to this Ministry and requested that necessary protection 
be given to these Germans. 

This Ministry has the honor, therefore, to request Your Excellency 
to instruct the local authorities to give these Germans necessary 
protection. 

[Seal.] Wai Chiao Pu. 
Enclosure: as stated. 

[Enclosure omitted.] 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 131 — 

Note : — Instructions in idential terms for the protection of these 
Germans were also issued to the Special Commissioners of Foreign 
Affairs in the Provinces of Chihli, Shantung, Chekiang and Hupeh on 
the 5th day of the 4th month of the 6th year of the Republic. 
[April 5th, 1917.] 

No. 136. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Note — Translation.] 

Peking, April 7, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that the German 
Government, with the object of preventing the danger of espionage in 
view of the present circumstances, has adopted stringent measures at 
the frontiers to prevent persons leaving Germany, excepting those 
who are to the knowledge of the authorities clearly beyond suspicion, 
Chinese residents desiring to leave Germany would of course be allow- 
ed to do so. But, owing to rumors circulated in Europe, the German 
Government desires to know definitely that during the duration of 
the war the Chinese Government will neither obstruct the Ge'rman 
residents in China in carrying on their occupations, nor intern them, 
nor compel them to leave China. Although I know that the request 
of the German Government corresponds with Your Excellency's 
beneficent intentions, I beg, however, to request you to be so good as 
to give me a reply on the matter in definite terms, so that I may 
coTimunicate the same to the German Government and in that way 
procure for the Chinese who so desire, the opportunity to leave 
Germany. 

I may add that I am authorized to inform Your Excellency that 
the Chinese residents in Germany are being well treated in every way. 
As regards the treatment of German subjects in China, concerning . 
which all sorts of rumors are openly circulated, I have the honor 
to request Your Excellency, in order to set these rumors at rest, to 
authorize me to inform the Imperial German Government that 
during the war the Government of the Republic of China will leave' 
unmolested all German properties. Trusting that Your Excellency 
will favor me with an early reply, I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 132 — 
No, 137. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of the Interior and the 

Minister of War to the Governor of Kwang-tnng. 

[ Telegram — Translation.] 

Peking, nth day, 4th month, 
6th Year of the Republic. 
[April 11, 1917,] 
Your telegram of tin 2nd noted. We reply to your questions 

as follows : — 

(1) A passport is required regardless of the distance to be 

travelled, since it is travelling. However, when the route to be 
travelled lies within the jurisdiction of the local officials of the place 
where the traveller resides then no passport is required. 

(2) There is no restriction as regards the length of time which 
maybe taken for travel, acco: ing to the original regulations. But 
in case circumstances make t necessary, the local officials, who 
issue the passports, act as they e fit. Regarding the place of travel, 
of course, no restriction is placed on travelling in the same province. 

(3) In case there are no trustworthy German or Dutch 
merchants to give guarantees, the trustworthy merchants of 
ether nationalities may also give their guarantee in writing. 
Regarding missionaries, who wish to' travel, and who have no 
guarantees from the Netherlands consulate, they may also be 
guaranteed by trustworthy missionaries or merchants of German, 
Dutch or other n ationalities. 

(4) At all those places which are far away from the seat where 
the Commissioners of Foreign Affairs reside, the local officials may 
request the said Commissioners to issue the required passports. 
However, when the traveller has actually urgent affairs to attend to, 
the nearest local official may telegraph to the Commissioner of Foreign 
Affairs for permission to issue the passport himself, and, according to 
the regulations, notify the local officials of the places through which 
the traveller will pass, and of the. pi ice of dest ination. 

(5) Travellers who show that their religious work or business 
duties necessitate their traveling have invoked sufficient reasons to 
justify the issuance of passports to them. 

(6) Missionaries, who preach the gospel and teach doctrines, 
who may be considered as engaged in peaceful occupations, shall be 
treated in accordance with the regulations for the protection of German 
subjects as telegraphed to you on the 15th inst. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 133 — 

(7) All those Germans who have already obtained passports 
before, and those who travel without passports, shall be treated by 
the local officials within whose jurisdictions they reside, in accordance 
with the regulations for the issuing of passports for travelling.'or 
according to the regulations as contained in our above reply number 
four. However, in case of emergency, the matter may be referred to 
the Com nissioner of Foreign Affairs for consideration. 

. (8) Proper protection shall be given to German travellers. In 
case of law suits while travelling all criminal cases should be tried by 
the Chinese Courts, according to the Provisional Regulations as 
drawn up by the Ministry of Justice, and all civil cases should be 
handed over to the nearest Netherlands Consul for trial. 

As regards your suggestion that, owing to the facilities of 
communication and constant travel between the six treaty ports 
in Kwang-tung, the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs be permitted to 
act first and report afterwards according to the circumstances, we 
hereby approve the same, 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang, 
[sd.] Fan Yuan-lien. 
[sd.] Tuan Chi-jui. 



No. 138. 

The Netherlands Minister .at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Note— Translation.'} 

Peking, April nth 19x7. 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
memorandum, dated March 31st, which is to the following effect : 
" My Government has promulgated the Provisional Regulations, 
governing the trial of Germans in criminal cases. Therefore, I have 
the honor to request that all the Consuls accredited to China by Your 
Excellency's Government be instructed to adhere to the said 
Regulations," etc. , etc. 

In reply, I have the honor to call Your Excellency's attention to 
the fact that according to the recognized rule of international law, 
treaties entered into between two countries cannot be in any way 
affected by the severance of the existing diplomatic relations. The 
promulgation of such regulations in violation of the existing treaties 
merely in virtue of the severance of diplomatic relations is, therefore, 
irregular and their validity cannot be admitted. It is to b: observed 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 134 — 
that jurisdiction over the subjects of treaty countries has been 
already regulated by the treaties. Moreover, the text of the Chino- 
German treaty clearly points out that if any German subject residing 
in China is suspected of being guilty of any crime he should be tried 
according to the laws and regulations of Germany. If the facts 
developed prove that the accused is guilty, the sentence should also 
be passed in accordance with the laws of the country of the accused. 
If the Provisional Regulations, governing the trial of German subjects 
in criminal cases, as communicated to me by Your Excellency, 
are actually to be put in force, it would be a flagrant violation of 
treaty stipulations. Therefore I consider it my duty to protest 
in advance in the most solemn and energetic fashion against any 
attempt to enforce them. However, I hope that the Chinese Govern- 
ment will recognize that, by enacting regulations concerning jurisdic- 
tion over Germans it has entered a sphere from which it is absolutely 
precluded by the treaties. 

I avail etc., 

[sd ] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

^0. 139. 

The Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at Shanghai to the Minister 
of Foreign Affairs. 

[Dispatch-Translation. ] 

Shanghai, nth day, 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[April 11, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I beg to report to Your Excellency the internment of the German 
merchant vessels by the Naval Authorities here. Upon the severance 
of diplomatic relations between China and Germany oh the 14th day 
of the 3rd month last, the Naval Commander interned all German 
merchant vessels at Shanghai. On the same day, I received a note 
from the German Consul-General, stating that "the German merchant 
vessels in Shanghai are the Albenga, Sikiar.g, Deike Rickman, Mei 
Dah, Mei Lee. The Captains of these vessels have reported to me, 
saying that this morning, each German vessel was suddenly boarded 
by a Chinese Naval Officer accompanied by thirty marines, the latter 
carrying arms. They took over the vessels and ordered the Captains 
and sailors to leave the vessels. Each of the said Naval officers, 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 135 — 
had a certificate in English, a copy of which I enclose herein for your 
perusal. Now, these- vessels are the private property of German 
merchants. Why should they be taken over at will ? Please ask the 
proper, authorities to instruct those officers to leave the vessels 
immediately and restore them to their owners. Regarding the damages 
sustained by the German merchants, I shall investigate afterwards," 
etc. 

The action taken by the Naval Commander here is in accordance 
with telegraphic instructions from the Ministry of the Navy. I have 
written to the Headquarters of the Naval Commander, inquiring 
about the several questions raised by the German Consul-General. 

Respectfully submitted, 

[sd ] Chu Chao-hsin. 



No. 140. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs 10 the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 
[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, 12th day, 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[April 12, 1917.] 
Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note stating that the Commissioner ©f Foreign Affairs at Shanghai has 
refused to vise passes granted to German residents who desire to 
travel in the interior of China on the ground that, under the 
instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs German missionaries and 
tourists are no longer allowed to travel in the interior of China, 
because China has severed her diplomatic relations with Germany. 
Your Excellency also states that German subjects of the respectable 
class should be allowed to travel in the interior, unless there are local 
disturbances; otherwise, it will be in violation of the treaty provisions. 
Therefore, you request this Ministry to issue proper instructions to the 
said Commissioner of Foreign Affairs in order to avoid any misunder- 
standing. 

In reply I have the honor to inform you that since China has 
severed her diplomatic relations with Germany, the Chinese Govern- 
ment finds that if German subjects are allowed to travel in the 
interior as formerly, untoward events may arise; and, consequently 
with a view to offering better protection it has been decided to stop 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— I3 fi — 
issuing such passes ordinarily. However, in the cases of those 
German subjects who are obliged to travel on business, and who have 
obtained official certificates of the Netherlands Consuls to that effect, 
passes may be still granted. The above arrangements have already 
been communicated to all the Commissioners of Foreign Affairs. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 



No. 141. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister 
at Peking. 

[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, 13th day, 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[April 13, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency s 
Note dated April 7 in which you made inquiry as to how the Chinese 
Government would treat German residents in China. 

In reply I have the honor to state that, as Your Excellency is 
well aware, since the rupture of our diplomatic relations with Ger- 
many, the Chinese Government has always treated the German 
residents with leniency. With regard to the desire of the German 
Government to know definitely as to how China will treat German 
residents and their property in China, the Chinese Government 
declares that its attitude in these matters will be in strict accordance 
with International Law. On the other hand, the Chinese Government 
sincereiy hopes that the German Government will also treat Chinese 
residents and their property in Germany according to International 
Law. 

But if, as mentioned in your note, the German Government desires 
to know first how China will treat the German residents in China, 
before it will allow Chinese residents to leave Germany, it is 
tantamount to treating them as hostages against which the Chinese 
Government feels constrained to lodge a strong protest. Please be so 
good as to transmit the above to the German Government. 

I avail, etc, 

[sd] Wu Ting-fang. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY 

— 137 — 
No. 142. 

The Military and Civil Governors of Kwang-tung to the Office of the 

Cabinet, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Foreign 

Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior. 

[ Telegram — Translation. ] 

Canton, 20th day, 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic 
[April 20, 1917.] 
Sir: 

We have received a letter from the Netherlands Consul in Canton, 
stating "I have received a telegram from the Netherlands Minister in 
Peking to the effect that although diplomatic relations between China 
and Germany- have been severed, the rights and privileges stipulated 
in the treaties between the two countries concerning the protection of, 
the jurisdiction over and the trial of German subjects have not been 
abrogated. The exercise of the said rights and privileges is to be 
taken charge of by the Netherlands Consuls. Germans who, on 
account of commercial business, wish to go to the interior of China, 
may go and return at will, excepting that passports for protection 
should be secured from the Chinese officials through the Netherlands 
Consuls. When Chinese officials wish to go to the German Consulates, 
they cannot go at will, but must first obtain the consent of the 
Netherlands Consuls. The arms that are stored in the German Con- 
sulates must not be handed over to the Chinese officials." 

"In Kwang-tung, -the regulations for the protection of German 
subjects which require registration, have been carried out without 
consulting me. This is contrary to the telegraphic instructions from my 
Minister. I therefore strongly protest and request that the various 
regulations governing the treatment of German subjects be cancelled," 
etc., etc. 

On examining the regulations sent out by the Ministry, concern- 
ing the registration and inspection of German subjects, we find no pro- 
visions requiring us to consult and act through the Netherlands Consul. 
Hence we have sent delegates to act in a peaceable manner, entirely 
in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry. Moreover, in 
Canton and Shameen, the registration has been completed, and the 
inspection is nearly completed. The arms in the German Consulate 
at Pei Hai have been inspected and taken over. They have all 
submilted. However, owing to the protest of the Netherlands 
Consul, we have not yet ordered the inspection of the German Con- 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

- 138- 
sulate at Shameen, nor taken over the arms now stored in the said 
Consulate. 

As we were about to ask for instructions concerning the proper way 
of dealing with the situation, the letter of protest from the Nether- 
lands Consul came, requesting the cancellation of the regulations for 
the treatment of German subjects. We would like to ask the Minis- 
ter of Foreign Affairs to negotiate with the Netherlands Minister, so 
that there will be no interference with our proceedings. 

We further beg you to instruct us on the following questions : 

(1) Whether or not the treaties with Germany have been 
suspended. 

(2) Whether or not the rights and privileges of the German 
Consuls should be exercised by the Netherlands Consuls. 

(3) What are the proper ways of dealing with the situation. 

Many German churches in the .interior are situated in out-of-the- 
way places where there are no soldiers or police, and consequently 
it is most difficult to give them protection. Robbers are always 
abundant in Kwang-tung. The missionaries request to be exempted 
from surrendering their pistols, which they say they need for self- 
protection, a claim which we believe to be well founded. Please 
instruct us whether or not we may permit them to retain one or two 
pistols for self-protection, on condition that they give proper written 

guarantees. 

[sd.] Tan Hao-ming. 

[sd.] Chu Ching-lan. 

No. 143. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of the Interior and the 

Minister of War to the Military and Civil Governors 

of Kwang-tung. 

[ Telegram — Translation] 

Peking, 28th day, 4th month, 
6th T 'year of the Republic. 
[April 2S, 1917.] 
Your telegram of 20th noted. The regulations drawn up by the 
Central Government for the treatment of German subjects have 
already been carried out in the different provinces. It is difficult 
to comply with the request of the Netherlands Consul at Canton. 
The inspection of the German Consulate at Shameen may be dispensed 
with. However, the aims must be handed over to us for safe keeping. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 139 — 
That has been done in Foochow. In case of persistent refusal to hand 
them over/you should, of course, protest to the Netherlands Consul. 
As regards the German missionaries, if the locality where they 
reside is really not peaceful, there is no objection to permitting them 
to retain one or two pistols for self-protection on their giving proper 
written guarantees. Please act accordingly. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 

[sd.] Fan Yuan -lien. 

[sd ] Tuan Chi-jui. 

No, 144. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister 

at Peking. 
[Note — Translation ] 

Peking, 30th day. 4th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[April 30, 1917. ] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note of April 11 on the subject of the jurisdiction over German 
subjects in China. It may be admitted that the treaties con- 
cluded between two Powers cannot, according to international 
law, be affected by the severance of diplomatic relations. But 
in view of the principle of international law not allowing the delega- 
tion to a third Power of the exercise of consular jurisdiction, the 
application of the principle first above-mentioned to the matter of 
consular jurisdication can not be recognized in practice, for the consular 
jurisdiction conferred by China upon Germany is, according to inter- 
national law, a sort of special right, and as the German Consuls in 
China, having left China after the severance of diplomatic relations 
between China and Germany, are no longer capable of actually ex- 
ercising the functions and authority conferred by treaty, all cases 
whether civil or criminal concerning German subjects, ought to be 
tried and adjudicated entirely by the Chinese authorities. Neverthe- 
less, the Chinese Government, in the interest of the better treatment of 
German subjects iu China, and for the purpose of maintaining peace 
and order informed Your Excellency in the Wai Chiao Pu's Memor- 
andum of the 31st day of the last month that all cases concerning 
German subjects, civil or criminal, which have in the past been tried 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 140 — 

and adjudicated by German Consuls in China, may now be tried and 
adjudicated by the Netherlands Consuls in China, with the exception, 
however, of certain criminal cases provided for in the Chinese Criminal 
Code, which shall be tried and adjudicated by the Chinese authorities 
in accordance with the Provisional Regulations Governing the Trial 
and Adjudication of criminal cases affecting Germans, a copy "of which 
was enclosed therein. Such an arrangement being most fair and 
equitable, I, therefore, request Your Excellency to issue instructions 
for the carrying out of the same. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 

No, 145, 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note — Translation. ] 

Peking, April 30th, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

In reference to information which I have received from time 
to time concerning the regulations issued in certain provinces to 
which German subjects are obliged to submit, I had the honor 
to suggest to Your Excellency by my letter of March 28, No. 559, that 
the officials in the provinces be instructed to the effect that they 
should not take any measures which would be in conflict with 
the treaty stipulations according to which German subjects have the 
right to reside peacefully in China. 

Now there have been published in the Government Gazetts of the 
iSth inst. by theMinisterof War for application in all the provinces and 
special areas, regulations concerning "the protection of Germans leaving 
the country" and regulations concerning the "protection of German 
merchants and missionaries residing in China," many articles of the 
said regulations being inconsistent with the treaty provisions. The 
fact that special regulations have been enacted to govern German sub- 
jects which could not be applied to subjects of other treaty Powers, is in 
itself a violation of the treaty provision which expressly guarantees 
the most favored treatment to German subjects under the most 
favored nation clause. Therefore, I must formally protest against the 
said regulations. 

Of the regulations for the "protection of German merchants and 
missionaries residing in China," there is one article to which I desire 
to draw Your Excellency's special attention ; that is that the German 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 141 — 

merchants and -missionaries shall observe all the Chinese laws and 
orders which are now in force or may be enacted in future, etc. 

It is clear that in the said article, by "orders" is meant either the 
lawful regulations enacted by the Chinese authorities which are made 
binding on foreigners in virtue of the treaties, or the special 
regulations promulgated by the foreigner's own Government. It 
was so understood by the German merchants and missionaries and 
they have subscribed their signitures to a declaration in this sense 
when, in pursuance of the prescription of Art. 3 of the "Regulations 
concerning the protection of German merchants and missionaries re- 
siding in China" they registered their names and occupations before 
the highest local authorities. But it came to my knowledge that, in 
certain foreign newspapers published in China, — papers which mani- 
festly treat lightly the importance and respect which the Chinese 
Government attaches to international law as well as to the treaties 
concluded by China — the aforesaid regulation was construed as if the 
German subjects were deprived of the rights guaranteed them by the 
treaties. Even the French Consul-General at Shanghai has adopted 
this erroneous interpretation as a pretext, notwithstanding the rights 
and sovereign power of China over the territory of the French con- 
cession in that city, in order to take divers measures against the 
Germans in contravention to treaty stipulations. 

In view of these facts — against which Your Excellency has no 
doubt protested — I believe, I may submit for Your Excellency's con- 
sideration that there should- be an explicit declaration without delay 
showing that the Chinese Government not only requires from others 
respect for rights arising out of treaties and out of the principles 
of international law, but that the Government itself has chosen these 
treaties and principles as its rule of conduct from which it will make 
no departure. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

No. 146, 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Note — Translation.] 

[May 12th, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note of ths 13th ultimo, the contents of which I have already trans 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 142 — 

mitted to the German Government. The German Government was 
well satisfied when it learned from my telegram that the Chinese 
Government has declared that during the War, the German residents 
and German property in China will be treated in accordance with 
International Law. The German Government also states that since 
there is such a declaration on the part of the Chinese Government, 
the various rumors that the Chinese Government intends to expel 
all German residents or intern them may therefore be untrue. But in 
order definitely to know whether this is so or not, the German 
Government desires me to request Your Excellency to make a special 
statement, that is that the Chinese Government has no intention to 
expel the German subjects in China or to intern them. With regard to 
the Chinese citizens residing in Germany, the German Government is 
also quite willing to make a statement that it will treat them in accord- 
ance with International Law, and will allow those Chinese citizens 
who so desire, to continue their residence and to move freely and 
enjoy full protection and also to continue their occupations and 
businesses without interference. With regard to the Chinese students 
in Germany the Minister of Education has already instructed all the 
schools and colleges, to allow them to continue their studies without 
the least hindrance. 

I am happy to be able to transmit the above information to Your 
Excellency, and hope that you will favor me with an early reply so 
that any misunderstanding, which the German Government may 
have in regard to the intention of the Chinese Government, may be 
totally removed. 

I avail, etc, 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 



No. 147. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Pekin 
[ Note — Translation. ] 

Peking, 19th day, 5th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[May 19, 1917.] 
Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note dated 
the 12th instant in which Your Excellency requested me to make a 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 



— 143 — 
special statement regarding the treatment of German residents in 
China. 

In reply, I beg to state that in fact the Chinese Government has, 
as a matter of course been dealing with the German residents in strict 
accordance with International Law, which statement I have already 
communicated to you in a previous dispatch, and which has been well 
borne out by the fact that we have repeatedly requested the allied Go- 
vernments to grant "safe couducts," and to allow the extension of the 
time limit so as to ensure the safe return of German subjects desiring 
to leave China. All these facts are plain evidences of the sincerity of 
the Chinese Government and yet the German Government, still with 
suspicion, on the one hand requests you to ask the Chinese Govern- 
ment again to declare its intentions regarding the treatment of 
German residents, and on the other hand detains the Chinese students 
in Germany and in Brussels, refusing to give them passports to leave, 
thus placing them under restraint. This action of the German 
Government can hardly convince the Chinese Government that the 
treatment of Ciiinese residents in Germany is in conformity with the 
rules of International Law.- What the Chinese Government is doing, 
as lias already been communicated to you, is in strict conformity with 
International Law, and beyond this there is no need for further state- 
ment. With regard to the detention of Chinese students in German}', 
the Chinese Government is obliged to lodge a strong protest. 

I have therefore the honor to request Your Excellency to be so 
good as to transmit telegraphically the contents of this communica- 
tion to the German Government. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 

No. 148. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister 

at Peking. 

[Note — Translation . ] 

Peking, 25th day, 5th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[May 25, 1917.] 

Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note of the 30th ult. with reference to the regulations governing 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 144 — 

German subjects residing in China. In reply I beg to say that all 
arrangements in connection with the treatment of German subjects 
are based on the principles of International Law and my note of the 
13th ult. was to this effect. As to the regulations recently published 
by the Chinese Government for the observation of the German 
subjects they are specially formulated in accordance with the com- 
mon usages obtaining among nations with careful changes to suit 
the circumstances. With regard to the provision that the German 
merchants and missionaries must observe all the Chinese laws and 
orders in force at present and enacted in the future, these laws and 
orders certainly mean only the special laws and orders governing 
German merchants and missionaries, as well as such detailed regula- 
tions governing the application thereof as may be enacted. They do 
not mean the general laws and orders of this countr}'. With this 
explanation I trust that Your Excellency will be relieved of all 
difficulties concerning the aforesaid provision. 

As regards your statement that the French Consul-General at 
Shanghai has taken divers measures against the Germans in the 
French Concession, contrary to the treaties, I am in need of enlighten- 
ment concerning the particular acts of which you complain. If the 
French Consul-General has acted beyond his rights, the Chinese 
Government would not view it with indifference. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 



No. 149, 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note — Translation. J 

Peking, May 29th, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excel- 
lency's note dated the 25th instant which I have noted. 

The meaning of the regulations which provide that German 
merchants and missionaries must observe all the Chinese laws and 
orders now in force or to be enacted in the future, is now clear to me. 
If the aforesaid laws and orders do not contravene the treaties on the 
one hand, and on the other do not place the German merchants and 
missionaries in a less favorable position than the subjects of other 
treaty Powers, there would be no occasion for me to make any 
objection. Your Excellency has repeatedly declared that the treatment 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 145 — 
of the German residents will be in accordance with International Law ; 
this, of course, leaves me no ground of complaint. However, I cannot 
maintain my silence when in actual practice, the Chinese authorities 
frequently have disregarded their declarations. 

With reference to your statement that the regulations pro- 
mulgated by the Chinese Government for the observation of German 
residents are specially formulated in accordance with the common 
usages obtaining among nations with careful changes to suit the 
circumstances, etc., I feel very much surprised. Many cases may be 
found in history where two States, on account of differences broke off 
diplomatic relations, yet the breach resulted in no declaration of war. 
Occasionally, the breach has lasted for several years without any 
change of conditions. It is not on record that one of the said States 
parties to the breach violated treaties and imposed certain special re- 
gulations upon the nationals of the other State. What is known as the 
common usage is that after the severance of diplomatic relations, the 
nationals of the two States are left unmolested by the State in which 
they reside and enjoy the same protection as is accorded to the resident 
nationals of other countries. Any arrangement other than this, would 
be contrary to the principles of International Law now in practice. 
Because, according to such Public Law, the resident nationals of an 
enemy country should be generously treated even if a state of war 
exist. Naturally, it is not permissible to infringe their legal rights. 
Therefore, it is all the more a violation of International Law to enact 
special regulations with respect to the residents of another country 
when a state of war is not in existence. 

As regards the divers measures which the French Consul-General 
at Shanghai has taken against the Germans in the French Concession, 
in contravention of International Law, I need not cite each separate 
case. But suffice it to point out the case of the Deutsche Medizin 
und Ingenieurschule fur Chinesen in Schanghai. The special Commis- 
sioner of Foreign Affairs must have reported the said case to Your 
Excellency in connection with other cases. 

Moreover, the Special Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at Han- 
kow has repeatedly protested against the actions of the French Consul 
at that port affecting German persons and property in violation of 
treaty provisions. 

Assuming that Your Excellency is also aware of the cases above 
referred to, I have the honor to request that Your Excellency will 
instruct the officials concerned in the various provinces to the effect 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

- 146- 

that the treatment of the Germans in China should conform to the 
treaty provisions in order to avert any misunderstanding which may 
cause regret to the Chinese Government. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

Wo. 150. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 

{Note — Translation.] 

Peking, 9th day, 6th month, 
• 6th year of the Republic 
[June 9, 1917.] 
Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note in which you stated that (he Commissioners of Foreign Affairs at 
Shanghai and Hankow have refused to issue permits to German 
subjects who desire to spend the summer at Ruling and Mokanshan. 

In reply, I have the honor to state that since the rupture of our 
diplomatic relations with Germany, regulations have been adopted 
providing that when necessity arises the issue of passports to German 
subjects may be suspended. 

During the last two months, however, the issuance of passports 
to German subjects going to the above mentioned places has always 
been approved upon their request presented to the Commissioners of 
Foreign Affairs. This is only a proof of the Chinese Government's 
generous policy. It is evidently a case of misunderstanding when it is 
stated in your note that the Chinese Government has acted in 
contravention of Treaties. 

In short, this Government has been treating German subjects 
with every courtesy, while the Gorman Government is refusing to 
issue passports to those Chinese citizens who desire to leave Germany. 
I do not doubt that Your Excellency is able to form a correct opinion 
as to who is really violating International Treaties. If the German 
Government persists in its coursj? of action as regards the Chinese re- 
sidents in Germany, this Government may be compelled to modify the 
present mode of treating German residents in China. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd] Wu Ting-fang. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 147 — 

No. 151. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister 
at Peking. 

[Note — Translation . ] 

Peking, 26th day, 6th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[June 26, 1917.] 
Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note of the 29th inst. with reference to the various regulations recent- 
ty published by this country concerning German subjects residing 
in China. 

As it is stated in Your Excellency's note that your Excellency 
now understands the meaning of these regulations I need not explain 
them any further. In regard to our claim to conform to the 
common usages obtaining among nations, it may be observed 
that to protect foreign merchants and to maintain public 
peace within the country, must be considered as the common 
practice of nations. As China has severed her diplomatic 
relations with Germany and there remain in China a large 
number of German merchants and missionaries, it is only natural that 
China should provide proper means to protect them and at the same 
time to preserve the peace of the country. Since the condition of 
affairs in China is different from that obtaining in other countries 
therefore we were compelled to formulate these regulations carefully 
in order to suit the circumstances. These regulations are by no means 
inconsistent with International Law or contrary to the existing Chino- 
German treaties. 

As to the measures taken by the French Consuls at Shanghai 
and Hankow against the Germans, since the arrival of some local 
reports on that subject, I have already instructed the several com- 
missioners of Foreign Affairs to make careful investigation in regard 
thereto. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wu Ting-fang. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 148 — 
No. 152. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 
[Note — Translation.] 

Peking, 30th day, 7th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[July 30, 19.17.] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
note in which you requested me to secure "safe-conducts" from the 
various foreign Ministers at Peking for the German civil officials and 
their families as well as the wives and children of the German military 
officers in Tsingtao who are all desirous of going home — and you also 
asked through a member of your Legation sent to this Ministry for 
the same treatment to be accorded to the German subjects employed 
in the Chinese Postal Service. 

In compliance with these requests we have already consulted the 
foreign Ministers concerned in Peking, some of them have consented 
while others have refused. 

For this reason we have made repeated requests, with the 
result that the British Minister has stated to me that the request 
will be complied with on three conditions, as follows : 

I. The said Germans shall travel in groups. 

II. The safe-conducts shall be good for three months only and 
the Germans will be subject to inspection. 

III. The vessel conveying the said Germans when travelling 
via the Atlantic Ocean, shall stop over at Halifax for 
inspection, and shall proceed direct to Norway, Sweden or 
Holland in order that they may land. No stop will be 
allowed, at any other port on the way, after leaving 
Halifax. 

The French Legation has also agreed to the above arrangement. 
The above conditions were communicated to Your Excellency on the 
21st instant by a representative from this Ministry and we have 
received Your Excellency's reply stating that the said three conditions 
will be observed by the departing Germans. 

The American Government, upon our urgent request, has now 
expressed its willingness to allow the said Germans to travel by way 
of the United States. The Japanese Government has also agreed 
but stated that, owing to the large number of departing Germans, 
some other form of permit would be issued instead of the regular 



mmmm 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 149 — 

"safe-conducts"; and that with regard to the German Civil Gover- 
nor of Tsingtao, he will not be allowed to leave that place on 
account of special circumstances. 

The fact that all the foreign Ministers concerned in Peking have 
now satisfactorily consented to issuing the necessary permits after so 
much trouble on our part, shows that the Chinese Government 
has done its utmost as will be understood by Your Excellency. 

However, this Government finds it difficult to understand why 
the German Government, in spite of our repeated protests address- 
ed through Your Excellency on the 19th of the 5th month 
[May 19th] and the 9th of the 6th month [June 9th] is still 
detaining our students in Germany and Belgium, leaving our 
protests unanswered. We are equally at a loss to understand 
the purpose of the German Government, because its actions clearly 
contradict its declaration made through Your Excellency that 
the German Government would observe the rules of Inter- 
national Law in regard to the treatment of Chinese citizens in 
Germany. 

This Government being unable to longer tolerate this course of 
action is compelled to request Your Excellency again to transmit to 
the German Government by telegraph our strong protest with the 
hope that the German Government, realizing our kindness to 
the German subjects in China, will grant the same courtesy to the 
Chinese residents and students in Germany and Belgium, by 
permitting them to leave those countries as they desire, in con- 
formity with International Law. I shall be much obliged if Your 
Excellency will be so good as to favor me with an early reply. 

I avail v etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 

No, 153. 

The Commissioner of Foreign Affairs for Chihli to the Premier 

and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Telegram — Translation.] 

Tientsin, 14th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 14, 1917.] 
The Ministry's telegram of the 13th has been duly received. 
This morning at 7 o'clock I conferred with the Civil Governor here 
with regard to taking over the Austrian Concession, thereafter a 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 150 — 
conference was held with the Austrian Consul to that end. In 
the afternoon at 4 o'clock we took over the Austrian Concession 
completely and despatched policemen to take charge of the same. All 
arms in the Austrian barracks and the Austrian Municipal Building 
have also been delivered to us. At 5 o'clock I went to the Special 
District (the former German Concession) accompanied by the Nether- 
lands Delegate to take over the arms and military supplies stored in 
the former German barracks. They were all delivered up. The 
Chinese national flag has been hoisted over all the above mentioned 
places with the exception of the Austrian Consulate where the 
Austrian Consul wished to hoist the Netherlands flag because Austrian 
interests will be entrusted to Holland. As I have not received 
instructions from the Ministry I refused to consent. Finally it was 
agreed to hoist no flag pending my request for instructions from the 
Ministry. Please decide as an urgent matter and instruct me by 
telegraph. 

With regard to the passports for the Austrian Consul and his 
staff, they will be issued- to-morrow. 

[sd.] Hwang Yung-liang. 



m, 154, 

Petition of the Minister of the Interior. Addressed to the President, 
Praying for the Establishment of Bureaux for the Municipal Adminis- 
tration of the Special Areas at Tientsin and Hankow, Requesting 
Permission to Appoint Chiefs of the Bureaux and Submitting Regula- 



tions. 



[Translation from the Government Gazette of the 14th day of the 8th 
month, 6th year of the Republic, [August 14th, 1917.) 
After this country severed diplomatic relations with Germany, 
it became necessary to take over the administration of the German 
-Concessions which had been established at Tientsin and Hankow and 
to organize Provisional Bureaux for the Administration of the Special 
Areas. This Ministry also petitioned and received permission to 
appoint the Chiefs of the Police Departments at Tientsin and 
Hankow to act, in addition to their other duties, as Chiefs of the 
Provisional Bureaux. 

Now that a Mandate has been received, announcing that the 
country has entered into a state of war with Germany and Austria, 
the name of the Bureaux should be changed by the dropping out of 



__ 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 151 — 
the word " Provisional ". Furthermore, since the activities of the 
Bureaux fall within the scope of municipal government, the name 
should be changed from "Bureaux for the Provisional Administration 
of the Special Areas" to " Bureaux for the Municipal Administration 
of the Special Areas." 

In regard to the Austrian Concession at Tientsin, the Ministry 
will write to the Governor of Chihli, at once to instruct the Chief of 
the Bureau there likewise to take over the administration of the same. 

The Regulations which have been proposed are submitted here- 
with for sanction. If they are accepted, permission is requested to 
appoint Yang I-te, the Chief of the Police Department at Tientsin, 
Chihli, to act, in addition to his other duties, as Chief of the Bureau 
for the Administration of the Special Area at Tientsin, and Chou Chi- 
yun, Chief of the Police Department at Hankow, Hupeh, to act, in 
addition to his o|her duties, as Chief of the Bureau for the Administra- 
tion of the Special Area at Hankow. 

This petition was respectfully submitted, and on the 14th of the 
8th month, the 6th yearof the Republic [August 14, 1917,] a Mandate 
way received sanctioning the same. 

Regulations Governing the Bureaux for the Municipal Administration 

of the Special A reas. 

Article 1. Each Bureau will have a Chief, who will have the 
direction of the following matters, under the supervision of the Civil 
Governor of the Province : 

1. All administrative matters within the Special Area. 

2. Policing, policing arrangements, and all other administrative 
arrangements. But matters connected with foreign relations will be 
dealt with in conjunction .with the Special Commissioner of Foreign 
Affairs for the province. 

Article 2. Each Bureau shall have the following staff : the 
number of which will be fixed by the Chief of the Bureau and report- 
ed to the Civil Governor, who will inform the Ministry of the Interior. 

1. Departmental Chiefs of the Bureau. 

2. Members of the Bureau. 

3. Advisers. 

4. Secretaries. 

5. Clerks. 

Article 3. In case, within the municipality, it should be neces- 
sary to continue certain public works, the Bureau will draw up plans 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— ^52 — 
and submit them, through the Civil Governor, to the Ministry of the- 
Interior for approval. 

At tide 4. Regulations announced by the Chief of the Bureau 
must be transmitted by the Governor to the Ministry of the Interior 
for approval. 

Article 5. In the case of all matters for which provision has 
not yet been made, the Chief of the Bureau will draw up plans and 
submit them, through the Governor, to the Ministry of the Interior 
or other Ministry concerned for approval. 

Article 6. These Regulations shall be in force from the date of 
promulgation. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the N eihsrlands Minister at Peking- 

[Note — -Translation.] 

Peking, 14th day, 8th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[August 14, 1917.] 
Your Excellency: 

After the severance of diplomatic relations between China and 
Germany, the Chinese Government drew up laws and rules of 
procedure governing the trial of German residents in China in civil 
and criminal cases. A copy of the said criminal laws was sent to 
Your Excellency by this Ministry on the 31st day of the 3rd month 
[March 31st] of this year. 

Now that China has declared that a state of war exists between 
China and the countries of Germany and Austria-Hungary, the afore- 
said laws governing the trial of Germans in criminal cases are no longer 
suitable for use. Therefore, this Government has enacted Provisional 
Regulations governing the trial of enemy subjects in civil and 
•criminal cases, and has promulgated the same to take effect on the 
14th day of the 8th month [August 14th] of this year. Accordingly, 
Ihave the honor to inclose a copy of the said Provisional Regulations 
to Your Excellency herewith. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 
Enclosure : as stated. 

(Inclosurc.) 
Presidential Mandate. 
[Translation.] 
We hereby promulgate the Regulations Governing the Trial of 
enemy subjects in civil and criminal cases. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 



— 153 — 

Seal of the President.] 

Peking, 14th da}', 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August' 14, 1917.] 
Countersigned by 

Tuan Chi-jui, Premier. 

• Wang Ta-hsieh, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Lin Chang-min, Minister of Justice. 

Instructional Mandate No. XII. 
>.\ .'. [Translation.] 

Regulations Governing the Trial of Enemy S.ibjects in Civil and 
Criminal Cases: 

(1) For the duration of the War all civil and criminal cases in 
which enemy subjects are concerned shall be tried by the Chinese 
Courts of Justice. 

In case an enemy subject and the subject of a foreign country are 
concerned in a civil case, the Consul of the said foreign subject 
shall, in accordance with Treaty stipulations, have jurisdiction, and 
the foregoing provision shall not apply. 

(2) Except in connection with crimes enumerated in Sections 3 
and 4 of Article 6 of the Draft Code of Criminal Procedure, the 
preliminary hearing of all cases provided for in the first section of the 
foregoing Article shall be conducted by the Local Procuratorate and 
Local Court. In localities where local procuratoi ates and local courts 
have not yet been established, the local authorities shall refer all such 
cases, together with the necessary documents, to the nearest Local 
Procuratorate and Local Court. In Hsin-kiang, Jehol, Suiyuan, 
Chahar and similar localities, the judicial powers of the Local Pro- 
-curatorate and the Local Court shall be exercised by the Judicial 
Preparation Bureau, the Judicial Departments of the Tutung Yamens 
and the local courts attached to the Judicial Departments. 

Except in those special jurisdictions above set forth, the trial of 
all civil and criminal cases provided for in the foregoing Article shall 
be in accordance with the Law Governing the Organization of the 
Judiciary and other Laws and Mandates. 

(3) Enemy subjects undergoing detention in consequence of 
civil and criminal cases, or serving sentences in connection with 
criminal cases, or ordered to work in reformatories as a result of civil 
cases, shall do so in the modern prisons. 

(4) .Whenever a revision of these regulations is considered 
necessary the revision shall be carried out by an Instructional 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 154 — 
Mandate of the President upon the recommendation of the Ministry 

of Justice. 

(5) These Regulations shall take effect on and from the day of 
-their promulgation. 



No. 156. 

The Ministry of the Navy to (he Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 
[Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, 15th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 15, 19.17.] 
To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 

Concerning; the internment of the Austrian ships at Shanghai, we 
have received two telegrams from Commander Ling to the effect that 
internment was successfully effected, but that the disposition of the 
officials and crews of Austrian ships should be made by the local 
authorities. This Ministry has already communicated with 
the Ministry of the Interior to that end. We hereby request 
your Ministry to telegraph to the Special Commissioner of Foreign 
Affairs instructing the latter to co-operate with the municipal authori- 
ties at Shanghai, in order that the Austrian sailors may be transferred 
and interned on land, whereby the matter of internment may be 
brought to an end. In your reply please inform us of the details in 
respect to the internment. Besides communicating with the Ministry 
of the Interior, we take the occasion to inclose to you copies of the 
two telegrams before mentioned. 

[seal] Ministry of the Navy. 
Enclosure. 

[lnclosure — Telegram — Translation. ] 

Commander Ling Tsun-chuan to the Ministry of the Navy and 

Commander-in-Chief Ran, Hsia-kwan. 

Shanghai, 14th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 14, 1917.] 
Trusting you have received my previous telegram of to-day's date, 
I beg to report to you that three Austrian ships were completely 
taken possession of by our officials and sailors at noon to-day. The 
internment was effected without incident. Regarding the disposition 
of the Austrian crews, plans are under consideration. 

[sd.] Ling Tsun-chuan. 
[The second telegram is omitted.] 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— ' 155 — 

No, 157. 

The Ministry of War to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. . 

[Letter — Translation . ] 

Peking, 17th day, 8th month, 

6th year of the Republic. ■ 

, [August 17, 1917.] 

To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs : 

We beg to acknowledge the receipt of your communication in 
which you say, "After the severance of diplomatic relations between 
China and Germany, apprehending that the German residents 
might conceal dangerous weapons, your Ministry drew up Pro- 
visional Inspection rules. Now that this country has declared war 
against both Germany and Austria-Hungary, it is presumed that your 
Ministry has made similar inspection rules concerning the residents of 
Austria-Hungary. If you have already telegraphed these rules to the 
Provincial Authorities we request that we may be furnished copies of 
your telegrams concerning them, in order that we may co-operate in 
regard thereto," etc., etc. 

In reply, we beg to say that when we received the order carrying 
the declaration of war, we at once drew up Provisional Inspection 
rules which are applicable to Austro-Hungarian subjects, and on the 
14th instant transmitted these rules by telegraph to the various Pro- 
vincial Authorities. In compliance with your request, we enclose 
copies of our telegrams herewith. . 

Ministry of War. ■ 
Enclosures : as stated. 

' ' (Inc'osure 1) •■ •■ 

[Circular Telegram — Translation.] ' 

' • Peking, 14th day, Sth month, ' 

6th year of the Republic - '•■' 
[August 14th, 19:7.] 

To the Military and Civil Governors of the Provinces, the Lieu- 
tenant-Generals of Jehol, Kalgan and Kwei-Hwa, the Military Com- 
missioners of Shanghai and Ning-Hsia, Director-General Lung of 
Chiung-Chow, Director-General Chang of Hsu-chow, the Garrison 
Commissioner of the Szechtiari Frontiers, the Resident Commissioner 
of Altai* etc., etc. 

*The following 6 circular telegrams were addressed to the same 

.-•.•■' ■ ■ - j- ■ ■ ■ ' ■■ >■ •■■>:■.■■ s ; . '.■>! '•.• i --•::•....;. 

parties. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

- 156 - 
Please forward the following to all other Garrison Commissioners, 
Army Chiefs and Commanders of Brigades and Regiments, etc., etc. 

When the protest of our Government against Germany's policy 
in carrying on its ruthless submarine warfare proved to be ineffective, 
this country was obliged to break off diplomatic relations with 
Germany. On the 14th day of the 3rd month, [March 14.] we tele- 
graphed all the armies to this effect. Since then five months have 
elapsed, and the German submarines not only still keep up their law- 
lessness as before, but Germany's ally Austria-Hungary also shows no 
sign of repentance. Our Government, having regard of its dignity, being 
mindful of the dictates of humanity, and entertaining great concern 
over actual and possible losses of life and property by our citizens, 
has to-day declared war against Germany and Austria-Hungary. 

All men in our armies should know that the morale and success 
of the army are dependent upon the Justice of the cause. When the 
cause is righteous, you will fight for it bravely without yielding an 
inch. The course which the nation has chosen to take, shows the great 
responsibility of the soldiers. It behooves you to observe great 
caution and to acquit yourselves witli vigilance. There must be no 
relaxation in preparedness. There must be no hatred or undue 
pride. Every step and movement of yours must he in accord with 
the rules prescribed by the Law of Nations. By so doing, your 
military glory will be insured in all the coming years. Upon you 
depends the whole nation. In this war, our nation rises like one 
man profoundly moved by an unselfish motive. It gives courage to 
think of the fiery enthusiasm of our soldiers to defend their national 
honor. 

It is hereby specially ordered that all the laws of war and of the 
army shall be strictly adhered to. It is sincerely hoped that durable 
peace will be hastened by this step taken by our nation. 

The details of the rules and regulations will be separately pro- 
mulgated. Command your men to give obedience thereto. 

Ministry of War. 
{Inclosure 2) 
[Circular Telegram — Translation.] 

Peking, 14th day, 8th Y aipnth, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 14, 1917.] 
We hereby publish the following rules and regulations concerning 
the protection to be accorded to enemy subjects who choose to leave 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 157 — 
the country. Please enforce the same in your jurisdiction, and reply 
upon the receipt of this telegram. 

Art. 1. Within five days after the declaration of war, all enemy 
subjects residing in China, who desire to leave the country, shall 
applv for their passports from the local officials. The application 
shall state the name, age, address and occupation of the applicant. 

Art. 2. The property and belongings taken by enemy subjects 
upon their departure shall be inspected. All property not adapted for 
military purposes, may be carried away without limitation. Those 
properties which are to be kept in China, shall be governed by Section 
IV. of the Regulations governing the Provisional Inspection of enemy 
subjects. 

Art. 3. When the provisions as prescribed in the foregoing 
sections are satisfied, the local officials shall fix a convenient date and 
furnish military or police escorts for the enemy subjects to proceed on 
their journey. Before they start to leave, their movements shall be 
specially watched. 

Art. 4. The route by which the enemy subjects are to leave the 
country, shall be decided by the Government. 

Art. 5. The number of military or police guards to escort the 
enemy subjects, shall be decided according to the special conditions of 
each locality. Each locality shall provide an escort as far as the limits 
of the locality, then the next contiguous locality shall provide an escort 
in succession, until the national territorial limits of China are reached. 

Art. 6. The officials of each locality shall notify the officials of 
the next locality in advance regarding the time schedule by which 
enemy subjects are to take leave, in order to prevent delay in provid- 
ing an escort. 

Art. 7. Upon arrival at each destination, the escort about to be 
discharged shall procure a statement from the departing enemy 
subjects to the effect that they have been escorted safely and com- 
fortably to such place as the case may be. Such , statement shall be 
forwarded to the Central Government by each locality concerned. 
The most important of all the statements is the one to be made upon 
leaving the national territorial limits. 

Art. 8. The officials of each locality concerned shall hire 
carriages and boats for the conveyance and transportation of the 
enemy subjects, who shall pay the expenses themselves. 

Ministry of War. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

- 158 - 
(Inclosure 3) 

[Circular Telegram— Translation. ] 

Peking, 14th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 14, 1917.] 
We hereby publish the following rules and regulations governing 
Provisional Inspection. Please enforce the same in your jurisdiction 
and reply upon receipt of this telegram. 

I. After the declaration of war, all enemy subjects shall be 
subject to Provisional Inspection. 

II. The objects of Provisional Inspection are as follows : 

(a) Inspection of houses, residences, shops, stores, 
or churches of enemy subjects. 

(b) Inspection of baggage, to be made upon the removal 
of enemy subjects. 

III. The following articles shall be confiscated : 

(a) Explosives, or materials for the manufacture of ex- 
plosives. 

(b) Arms and ammunition. 

(c) Ail books, maps, drawings and statistics, not for sale, 
concerning Chinese military affairs. 

IV. The following articles shall be handed over to the local 
officials, and shall be held pending the return of peace : 

1. Hunting guns and cartridges. 

2. Swords, and sabres which can be used for military 
purposes. 

3. Saddles, bags, canteens and implements that may be 
converted into military use. Saddles for the use o 
individuals in peaceful life, are exempted. 

4. Aeroplanes and parts of aeroplanes. 

Articles included in this section are subject to requisition by the 
Chinese Government in time of necessity. 

V. These rules and regulations shall be "enforced by all the 
branch Bureaux of Provisional Inspection to be established 

• by the high military authorities in the various localities. - 

-'■''■ ."•'•"• Ministry of War. ...„ 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 159 — 

(Inclosure 4) 

[ Circular Telegram — Trans! alio n . ] 

Peking, 14th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 

[August 14, 1917.] 

We hereby publish the following rules and regulations governing 
the Internment camps for Prisoners of War. Please enforce the same 
in your jurisdiction and reply upon receipt of this telegram. 

I. The treatment of prisoners of war shall be in accordance 
with the principles of toleration and sympathy. The movements 
and conduct of prisoners of war shall be watched in order to safe- 
guard against any emergency. 

II. Internment camps shall be established in proper quarters 
at a distance outside the city, where the means of communication and 
transportation are convenient. 

III. The rooms of internment camps shall be clean and sani- 
tary. 

IV. Internment camps shall be provided with dispensary, sick 
ward, and bathing facilities. 

V. Internment camps shall have a physician residing in the 
camp. 

VI. In case any prisoner of war is sick, if the camp physician 
certifies that the nature of any sickness is contagious, the patient 
shall be removed in charge of a responsible employe to a designated 
hospital. 

VII. Officials among the prisoners of war shall be given special 
rooms. The number of occupants in each room shall be determined 
according to circumstances. 

VIII. The rooms in the internment camps shall be provided 
with furniture necessary for daily use. 

IX. Bedding and food shall be supplied to the piisoners of war 
according to the common usage among nations. Prisoners of war may 
provide their own bedding which must be examined by the Chief 
Inspector of the Camp. 

X. The prisoners of war may send and receive mail or money 
orders, subject to the regulations of the camp. 

XI. The prisoners of war shall obey the orders of the Chinese 
Government and instructions of the Chief Inspector of Camp, under 
penalty of close confinement. Crimes shall be punished by court- 
martial. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR! 

— 160 — 

XII. Unless special permission be granted by the officials of the 
camp, no prisoner of war shall leave the camp. 

XIII. Unless by permission of the officials of the camp, no 
prisoner of war shall receive a visitor or friend, or invite an other 
person to sleep or eat in the camp. 

Ministry of War. 

(Inclosure 5.) 

[Circular Telegram — Translation. ] 

Peking, 14th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 14, 1917.] 
We hereby publish the following rules and regulations governing 
the disarming of the Austro-Hungarian subjects in actual military 
service. Please enforce the same in your jurisdiction and reply upon 
the receipt of this telegram. 

I. After our declaration of war against Austria-Hungary, all 
Austro-Hungarian subjects in actual military service in China shall 
be disarmed in accordance with these rules, which are to be made 
known to the former Austrian Minister with a request that the com- 
manders and officials of the Austrian troops may be instructed to 
give their co-operation to the Chinese commissioners in carrying these 
rules into effect. 

1. The Austrian commanders shal 1 . be informed of the number 
of Chinese commissioners to effect the disarmament, the names and 
ranks of the commissioners, and the number of officials and soldiers 
whom the commissioners will take with them as escorts. 

2. The date and hour on which the disarmament will be made, 
shall be notified in advance. 

3. The Austrian commanders shall be requested to make a list 
of the names of their soldiers and an inventory of the arms to be 
delivered over and of those to be retained. 

4. The swords of the ranking officers may be retained by 
them. 

II. The provincial and district military authorities, upon receipt 
of the Government order declaring that a state of war exists between 
China and Austria-Hungary, shall communicate this fact quoting the 
said Government order to the Austro-Hungarian consuls in their 
respective provinces and districts. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 161 — 
III. Upon the receipt of the reply and list from the Austrian 
military representatives, the Senior Military Officers of all Provinces 
and Special Administrative Areas shall dispatch delegates, interpre- 
ters and gendarmes to the Austrian barracks, and shall make a request 
of the commander of the barracks that a roll call of the Austrian 
soldiers may be had in a neighborhood convenient to the barracks, 
and that thereupon the arms may be inspected and verified, for 
shipment by special carriages to a designated internment camp. 

Ministry of War. 
(Inclosure 6.) 
[Circular Telegram — Translation. ] 

Peking, 14th day, 8th month, • 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 14, 1917.] 
We hereby publish the rules and regulations governing the dis- 
position of weapons and military instruments of enemy ownership, as 
follows : 

I. Weapons and military instruments belonging to an enemy 
Government which are found within Chinese territory, shall be 
confiscated. 

II. The weapons and military instruments belonging to enemy 
subjects, which are found within Chinese territory shall be disposed 
of according to Sections 3 and 4 of the rules and regulations governing 
Provisional Inspection. 

Please enforce the above rules in your jurisdiction and reply upon 
receipt of this telegram. 

Ministry of War. 
[Inclosure 7) 
[Circular Telegram — Translation.'] 

Peking, 14th day, 8th month, 
6th, year of the Republic. 
[August 14, 1917.] 
We hereby publish the rule regarding the disposition of barracks 
of enemy countries in China, to the effect that all the said enemy 
barracks shall be taken over under the control of specially appointee 
delegates of the provincial or district high military or civil authorities. 
Please enforce the above in your jurisdiction and reply upon 
receipt of this telegram. 

Ministry of War. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 162 ■ — 

No. 158. 

The Minister of the Interior to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[L etter — Translation . ] 

Peking, 17th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 17, 1917.] 

Sir: 

Pursuant to the Proclamation of the President declaring a state 
of war to exist between China and Germany as well as Austria- 
Hungary, my Ministry has promulgated Rules and Regulations govern- 
ing the disposition and treatment of enemy subjects, and has also 
decided upon the detailed measures for the enforcement of the said 
rules and regulations. In proceeding to carry into effect the said 
rules and regulations as well as the detailed measures for the enforce- 
ment thereof, I have the honor to cause the printed copies of the 
same to be sent to Your Excellency and to request Your Excellency's 

co-operation. 

I have, etc., 

[sd.] Tang Hua-lung. 

Enclosures : as stated. 

(Inclosnre 1.) 

Rules and Regulations Governing the Disposition of Enemy Subjects. 

[Translation.] 

Art. 1. All enemy subjects residing in China may within five 
days from date apply to the local authorities at the place of their 
residence for passports to leave the country. 

Art. 2. The local authorities shall investigate and order enemy 
subjects under their jurisdiction to register within ten days if they 
have not done so before the declaration of war. 

Art. 3. All registered enemy subjects may obtain permission 
from the local authorities under whose jurisdiction they live, to con- 
tinue their residence at the same place and claim adequate protection 
for their lives and property. But in case the place of their residence 
is such that the local authorities deem it inconvenient to give ade- 
quate protection, or in time of exigency, enemy residents may be 
ordered by the local authorities to remove to a designated place, 
or the Government may issue to them passports for leaving the 
country. 

Art. 4. When an enemy subject is ordered to remove his resi- 
dence or leave the country, the property which he cannot take along 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 163 — 
may, after inspection be sealed, or taken into custody by the local 
authorities, or left in the care of other persons if he so desires. But 
if the latter course be taken, it must be approved by the local 
authorities concerned. 

Art. 5. All enemy subjects remaining in this country shall be 
permitted to pursue lawful and peaceful occupations. But before so 
doing, they must first obtain the permission of the local authorities 
under whose jurisdiction they live. 

Art. 6. Sojourning and travelling are prohibited to enemy 
•ubjects. 

Art. 7. All enemy subjects shall be prohibited from entering 
this country but those who have obtained permission of the Govern- 
ment, are excepted. 

Art. 8. All books and newspapers published by enemy subjects in 
any language may be suppressed by the local officials when the 
latter deem it necessary. 

Art. 9. The present regulations are subject to revision from 
time to time. 

Art. 10. The present regulations shall be in force on and from 
the date of their promulgation.* 

*Ministry of the Interior Order No. 279. 

[Translation'] 

Peking, 28th da}', 12th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[December 28, 1917] 

I hereby publish the amendments to the Rules and Regulations Govern - 
ng the Disposition of Enemy Subjects. 

[Seai of the Ministry.] 

[sd.] Fan Yuan-lien. 

Amendments to the Rules Governing the Regulation of Enemy Subjects 1 

[Translation.] 

Article 9. Any enemy subject who violates these rules, may be deported. 
If an enemy subject concerned cannot leave the country immediately he may 
be detained until he is able to depart. 

The original "Article 9" is changed to read "Article 10." 
The original "Article io" is changed to read "Article 11." 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 164 — 

(Inclosure 2.) 

Detailed Instructions for the Enforcement of the Rules and Regulations 

Governing the Disposition of Enemy Subjects. 

[Translation.'] 

(1) Whenever a resident enemy subject desires to leave Chinese 
territory after the expiration of the five days' limit imposed by Article 
1 of the Regulations governing the disposition of enemy subjects it 
shall be reported by the local officials concerned to the highest 
authority of the district who will at once telegraph to the Ministry of 
the Interior for approval. Upon approval, a passport will be issued 
and the enemy subject will be ordered to leave the country. 

(2) Resident enemy subjects, who fail to register within the 
time limit of ten days imposed by Article 2 the said Regula- 
tions, may be ordered to remove their residence to a place specially 
designated. If the local authorities consider that the explanation 
for the delay in registering in time is satisfactory, they may still be 
permitted to register. 

(3) Enemy subjects, who have already registered before the 
promulgation of said Regulations, and have since continued their 
residence in the same jurisdiction, need not again register ; but if the 
local authorities deem it necessary, such enemy subjects may be 
required to report to them. 

(4) When registraiion is approved, enemy subjects shall 
continue to reside at the place of registration ; but in case of special 
reasons necessitating removal, it shall be reported by the local 
authorities concerned to the highest authority of the district who will 
refer it by telegraph to the Ministry of Interior for consideration. 

(5) In the case of passports which shall be issued by the 
Government as piovided in Article 3 of the said Regulations, it shall 
be reported by the local authorities concerned to the highest authority 
of the district who will telegraph to the Ministry of the Interior for 
the issue of same. 

The passports referred to in the preceding paragraph and Article 
1 of the said Regulations may be issued by the local authorities by 
order of the Ministry of the Interior. Those issued by the Ministry 
of the Interior shall be countersealed by the Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs, and those issued by the local authorities shall also be 
countersealed by the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs of the province. 
(6) The properties of enemy subjects which, after inspection, 
have been sealed or taken into custodv bv the local authorities as 



raw 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

- 165 - 

provided in Article 4 of the said Regulations, may be removed to a 
suitable place or sold by the local authorities, when rendered necessary 
either for convenience of safe-keeping, or on account of special cir- 
cumstances. 

The proceeds of the sale referred to in the preceding paragraph 
shall be entered in the books; and the consent of the owners who are 
to remove their residences or who are to leave the country, must be 
obtained. 

(7) The local authorities, when inspecting, sealing or taking into 
custody the property of enemy subjects, shall inspect them in the 1 
presence of those who are to remove their residence or are about to 
leave the country and make an inventory giving particulars of the 
kind, measure and weight of the articles, and the said inventory shall 
be signed by the owners for the purposes of record. 

Unless loss or damage occasioned to the property sealed or in 
custody as referred to in the preceding paragraph results from the 
act of God, or force majeure, or some other cause not due to negligence, 
the local authorities shall be held responsible for their safe-keeping. 

(8) An enemy subject, who has obtained a passport to travel 
before the promulgation of the said Regulations and who is now on 
his way, shall be stopped and escorted back to his original place of 
residence by the local authorities of the place through which he is 
passing. An enemy subject who has already reached his destination 
and has no desire to continue his residence at that place, shall be 
treated in like manner. 

In case the local authorities meet with difficulty in carrying out 
the above measures, they shall report in detail the circumstances to 
the highest authorities of the district who will telegraph to the 
Ministry of the Interior for instructions. 

Those enemy subjects who have already obtained their passporfs 
to travel but have not started, shall be directed to return their pass- 
ports to the local authorities for cancellation. 

(9) Enemy subjects in possession of passports to travel obtained 
before the promulgation of the said Regulations shall be treated 
according to the provisions of the preceding article. 

(10) The books and journals irrespective of their shape or form 
referred to in Article 8 of the said Regulations shall be prohibited 
from publication, irrespective of the manner of their publication 
and distribution. 

(11) The time limits of five days and ten days referred to in 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 166 — 

Articles i and 2 of the said Regulations, respectively, shall be cal- 
culated from the date on which the said Regulations are made public 
by the local authorities of the district concerned. 

(12) The term local authorities referred to in these Regulations 
shall be understood to be the Senior police officers at places where a 
police force has already been organized, and magistrates at places 
where no police force exists. 

[Inclosure 3) 

Matters to be attended to when granting permission to enemy 

subjects to carry on business, in pursuance of the Rules 

and Regulations Governing the disposition 

of enemy subjects. 

[Translation.'] 

(1) All enemy subjects wishing to carry on business shall be 
ordered to report in writing to the local authorities in detail the 
nature of the business, the full name, nationality, and age of the pro- 
prietor as well as of the manager, the amount of capital, the number 
of years during which the business is to run, and the location of the 
principal and branch offices, etc. If on investigation, the business is 
found to be carried on at a place permitted by law a licence may be 
issued in accordance with the provisions of the present Rules. 

After the application has been approved, the local anthorities 
shall file a report with the highest provincial authorities who shall 
submit it with other reports to the Ministry of the Interior for 
decision. 

A licence may be revoked if necessity so demands. 

(2) If enemy subjects doing business fictitiously use the names 
of Chinese citizens or of the national of a third country and do not 
apply for licences in accordance with the regulations, their businesses 
may be closed. 

(3) All banking business, trafficking in arms and munitions of 
war, newspapers, and press associations or agencies shall be im- 
mediateiy stopped. 

Besides these, all other businesses when deemed necessary, may 
also be closed, but such closures shall be made only after a report has 
been made to the high provincial authorities who shall telegraph to 
the Ministry of the Interior for its decision. 

(4) When a permit is granted, attention should be paid to the 
nature and purpose of the business to see that it is in no way dan- 
gerous or objectionable. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 



— 167 — 
(5) When a permit is granted, attention should be paid to the 
character, acquaintances and the length of domicile of the members 
of the business staff and to whether any of them have at any time 
served in the army or police force, 

(Inch's ure 4) 
Directions for Maintaining Vigilant Watch over Enemy Subjects. 

[Translation.'] 
The following classes of persons and places should be given 
■especial attention : 

I. Concerning the Station and Character of Enemy Subjects : 

(a) Those who are reputed to be bad characters, 

(b) Vagrants and those who have no respectable occupation, 

(c) Those- whose receipts and payments, or whose bank 
accounts do not correspond with their stations, 

(d) Those who have resided in China for 'a comparatively long 
time and who are familiar with conditions 

(e) Those who have served in either the police force or in the 
army, 

(f) Those who have been newspaper correspondents or who 
have been suspected of being newspaper correspondents, 

II. Concerning the Residences or Occupations of Enemy Subjects ; 

(a) Places which are frequented by many people, 

(b) Places where many people assemble or live without a 
known reason, 

(c) Places where people call or assemble at late hours during 
the night, or at early hours in the morning, 

(d) Places where the callers are suspicious characters, 

(e) Places where it is suspected that channels of correspon- 
dence with enemy countries are maintained, 

(f) Places where the structures are of unusual size or height, or 
where conspicuous signs or marks are displayed, 

III. In addition to the details as specified in the two above sections, 
it is necessary to take precaution whenever the circumstances of 
the case induce suspicion, or there is apprehension of danger to 
the public. 

No. 159. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, August 18, 1917. 
Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 168 — 

note of the 14th instant, in which was enclosed a copy of the Pro- 
visional Regulations governing the trial of enemy subjects in civil and 
criminal cases, as promulgated by the Chinese Government on August 

14. 

Reserving the liberty of discussing these regulations in the future, 
I feel compelled immediately to present my protest to Your 
Excellency on the ground of principle. 

Upon China's declaration of war against Germany and Austria- 
Hungary, China abrogated all her treaties with Germany and Austria- 
Hungary. I have not contended with the Chinese Government 
respecting her action in abrogating the treaties. But the said abroga- 
tion should not go so far as to interfere with the position in the realm 
of law, which belongs to the residents of the said two countries in 
China— the said Provisional Regulations do interfere with their 
legal position. 

Your Excellency will understand that according to Inter- 
national Law, war is a legal action against the enemy government and 
its organizations, but not against the individual status of enemy 
persons. 

In invading the legal status of German, Austrian and Hungarian 
subjects, in violation of this universally recognized principle, the 
Chinese authorities seems to attach less value to the principles of in- 
ternational law than that I thought I could expect. 

Article 1 of these regulations not only prescribes, that during 
the war, all civil and criminal cases concerning the subjects of enemy 
•countries shall be adjudicated by Chinese tribunals, but also adds by 
way of exception to that rule, that civil cases in which enemy 
subjects and foreign subjects are involved, shall be brought before the 
foreign competent consul in conformity with the treaties. This (last) 
disposition has surprised me to the highest degree. I cannot refrain 
from pointing out to Your Excellency that this clause is a complete 
violation of the tieaties concluded with different Powers which 
expressly provide that the Chinese authorities have no right in 
any aspect to interfere in litigation between foreigners. 

The Chinese authorities have no right to regulate controversies of 
that character and I must protest most energetically against the 
attempt to do so in the Provisional Regulations. 

, I avail, 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTF. 

— 169 — 

No. 160. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign A fairs. 
[Note— Translation.] 

Peking, August 18, 1917. 

Your Excellency : 

1 have the honor to call Your Excellency's attention to the matter 
that since the state of war came into existence between China and 
Germany, the authorities of the various localities have taken posses- 
sion of the main and branch offices of the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank, 
and hive also taken over all the moneys and evidences of value which 
were deposited in those banks. I must vigorously protest against 
this action. 

Having perused Your Excellency's Note of the 14th instant 
in the capacity of Doyen of the Diplomatic Body, it appears to me 
that the said action was carried out under the orders of the Minister 
of Finance. 

Referring to the definite declaration of the Chinese Government 
that it will conform to all the provisions of the Hague Conventions, 
I may suggest to Your Excellency that respect for private property is 
one of the most important principles underlying those provisions. Why 
was it declared in the morning that the said Conventions would be 
adhered to, whereas in the evening, measures were taken diametrically 
opposed to the said Conventions ? Perhaps, the Ministry of Finance, 
being unaware of the fact that the said Bank is a purely private con- 
cern, has mistaken it to"be owned by the German Government. How- 
ever, it is a matter of common knowledge that the said Bank has no 
connection whatsoever with the German Government. I have the 
honor to request that Your Excellency will instruct the responsible 
officials immediately to cancel the said illegal action and to return 
all the moneys and properties to the said Bank. 

I avail etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 
— 170 — 

No. 161. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Special Commissioners of 

Foreign Affairs at Mukden, Heilungkiang, Tientsin, Kashgar, 

Kirin, Shanghai, Hankow, Hi and Hsin-chiang. 

[Circular Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, 19th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 

[August 19, 1917.] 
Sir: 

I have received a communication from the Russian Minister, 
in which he says : "Since Russia has been at war with Germany and 
Austria-Hungary, the German and Austrian Legations have been 
frequently committing acts to disturb the internal peace of China and 
to embarrass the friendly relations between China and the Allied 
countries. Now that a state of war exists between China and 
Germany and Austria-Hungary, the evil influence above referred to 
should be immediately ended. Our consuls have collected reliable 
evidence in this matter. I shall be happy to instruct tbem to tender 
their co-operation to your Special Commissioners of Foreign Affairs," 
etc., etc. 

Besides transmitting the above to the Ministry of War, I refer 
this matter to you and inclose herewith a copy of the Russian Minis- 
ter's communication. Please co-operate with the Russian Consuls. 
It is necessary that the Military and Civil Governors should be 
consulted with respect to all measures for the protection and safe- 
guarding of our interests. You will also please reply to this com- 
munication. 

I have, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 
Enclosure : as stated. 

[Enclosure omitted.] 

No. 162. 

The Minister of Foreign Affaires to all the Foreign Ministers 

at Peking. 

[Circular Note— Translation.'] 

Peking, 20th day, 8th month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[August 20, 1917.] 
Your Excellency: 

Since my Government severed diplomatic relations with Germany 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 171 — 
and since its subsequent declaration of war against Germany and 
Austria-Hungary., all the German and Austrian merchant ships have 
been successively seized. I have the honor to inform Your Excellency 
that all contracts for chartering or purchasing the said enemy ships, 
irrespective of whether they are made by Chinese or foreign mer- 
chants, unless such contracts have the previous approval of the 
Central Government, will be null and void. 

I have the honor to request that Your Excellency instruct your 
Consuls by telegraph to notify your merchants concerning tbe validity 
of the said contracts, in order to avoid any misunderstanding. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd ] Wang Ta-hsieh. 

No. 163. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Ministers of the Allied and 
Neutral Countries at Peking. 

[Note — Translation'] 

Peking, 22nd day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 22, 19 17.] 
Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that the Chinese 
Government has declared a state of war to exist between China and 
Germany and between China and Austria-Hungary and has promul- 
gated on the 14th instant, Provisional Regulations governing the trial 
of enemy subjects in civil and criminal cases affecting these Germans 
and Austrians who reside in China. 

Excepting those civil cases between German or Austrian subjects 
and the nationals of your country which should be tried by your 
Consuls according to the treaties, all other cases shall be tried by the 
Chinese Law Courts. 

I have the honor to request that Your Excellency will be 
good enough to notify the subjects of your country residing in China 
that henceforth all actions or suits which they may bring against Ger- 
man or Austrian subjects, instead of being brought before the German 
or Austrian consulates as before, shall be instituted in the Chinese 
Law Courts concerned for adjudication in accordance with the above- 
mentioned Provisional Regulations. 



y 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 172 — 
In addition to the issuance of instructions which have already 
been given to the Commissioners of Foreign Affairs in the different 
provinces to communicate with your Consuls near-by I be* 
to forward to. Your Excellency a copy of the said' Provi 
sroal Regulations with the request that Your Excellency wiH 
instruct Your Consuls to act accordingly. 

I avail, etc. 

Enclosure* : as stated. N J Wan ^ Ta -hsieh. 

[Enclosure omitted.] 



The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister, at Peking. 
[Note— Translatio n . ] 

Peking, 22nd day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
You, Escelfency . ■ tA " e « "• '"70 

Prov.sional Reflations J u ExcelIen cy contends that the 

«B b uiations governing the trial nf -w; a „ 
and cnminal cases as promulgated by ml r enemeS m C1Vil 

legal status of alien enemies rS^m Th T™'' "^ ^ 

of Article x of the said I? , ?- *' a " d that Provision 2 

Powers, etc., etc R *^«»» * abreachof the treaties with the 

referred'totasfeld uponT, ^f "* ^ * ^ enemies 
Germany and the treaty of lS ^ h ?** * ^ ^'^ Chlna and 
^-ese treaties have beJn ? b6tWeenChina ^ Austria-Hungary. 

™y Governments daw r^T ^ the ?« ^ Therefore 
--Ply for the purpos , " "?"" ^^ in d «e terms, 
-ernies in the rXo J aw P § " "^ t0 the P ° S ^ n 
fat my Government has To STT ' * ^ X ^ ^^ 
the' Powers. mtentl0n t0 dis 'egard her treaties with 

Minis£° r d ated t&^t^ ^ I55) t0 the Netherlands 
f August i 4 , IQr7)] 4 day * Sth mon *h. 6th year of the Republic 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 



— 173 — 
I regret very much that Your Excellency has not understood the 
real intent of the Chinese Government in enacting the said Regula- 
tions. It is erroneous to assume that the said Regulations infringe 
the legal rights of alien enemies in China, and that the same impugn 
the treaty stipulations between China and the Powers. 



I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



No. 165. 

The French Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. ' 
[Note — Translation.'] 

Monsieur le Ministre : 

Peking, August 23, 1917. 

In your note of the 20th instant, Your Excellency informed me 
that all the enemy merchantships in China have been seized by the. 
Chinese authorities ; and that all contracts for chartering or purchas- 
ing these ships can be validly made only by previous authorization of 
the Central Government. 

In thanking Your Excellency for the above communication, I have 
the honor to say that I have advised my Government of the same and 
instructed all our Consuls in China to notify all persons under thek 
jurisdiction of the information relative to the validity of the said 
•contracts in order to avoid all misunderstanding. 

From your note above-mentioned, I may infer that from now on, 
the Chinese Government is considering the possibility of selling or to 
chartering the enemy ships already seized. My Government being 
interested in knowing the conditions under which these transactions 
may be effected, I shall accordingly be grateful to receive Your 
Excellency's information on this subject. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] A. R. Conty. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR, 

— 174 — 

No. 166. 

The Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

[Letter— Translation. J 

Peking, 25th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 25, 1917.] 

To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs : 

We beg to acknowledge the receipt of your respective communica- 
tions to the following effect : that your Ministry has received informa- 
tion concerning the German plotters and their dangerous activities in 
China, from diplomatic quarters and particularly from the British 
Legation ; and that these diplomatic quarters have transmitted to 
your Ministry a series of lists with the request that strict watch may 
be maintained over the said plotters, &c, &c. 

This Ministry has heretofore instructed all the officials inside and 
outside the Capital, upon all the measures of precaution which should 
be taken against enemy subjects. Since we are now in receipt of the 
lists from the British Legation and other diplomatic sources, we shall 
again issue instructions in accordance therewith. We beg to send to 
your Ministry herein enclosed a copy of the instructions relating to 
the precautionary measures which are being taken against all enemy 
subjects. 

We have, etc.. 

Ministry of the Interior. 
Enclosure : as stated. 

Enclosure omitted* 



No. 167. 

The American Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note— Copy.] 

August 27, 1917. 
Excellency : 

Referring to a conversation between the Chinese Secretary of the 
Legation and a member of Your Excellency's Ministry, in reference 
to arrangements which the Chinese Government intends to make 
whereby the German and Austrian steamers now at Shanghai may be 
■chartered for commercial uses, I have the honor to request that I 

*Cf Inclosure 4 in No. X58. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 175 — 
may be informed upon what conditions foreign merchants may make 
tender for the chartering of the said vessels. 

I also desire to inform Your Excellency that the China Mail 
Steamship Company, an American incorporated company, requests to 
be informed of the arrangements under which it may charter some of 
the said steamers. Its agent at Shanghai, Mr. Petrocelli, would be 
pleased to receive information on this matter. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Paul S. Reinsch. 

No. 168. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister 
at Peking. 

[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, 28th day, 8th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[August 28, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
Note which is to the following effect : 

The Chinese authorities in various localities have taken possession 
of the main and branch offices of the Deutsch Asiatische Bank and 
ha ye also taken over the moneys and evidences of value deposited 
therein. This action seems to be contrary to the declaration of the 
Chinese Government that it will observe the Hague Conventions. 
Moreover, the said Bank is a purely private concern which has no 
financial connection whatsoever with the German Government. It is 
requested that the said action be immediately cancelled and that the 
moneys and properties taken over be returned to the said Bank, 
etc., etc. 

In reply this Ministry is of the opinion that for the time being, it 
is unnecessary to consider whether or not the Deutsch Asiatische 
Bank is a purely private financial concern. For the business of a 
Bank, unlike other kinds of business, has intimate relation to the 
market and exchange. Now that this country stands as a belligerent 
against the two countries of Germany and Austria-Hungary, all enemy 
banks should of course discontinue their business, and should be taken 
over and protected b) 7 the authorized officials of the Government. 
Moreover, we have noticed that after the declaration of war by the 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 176 — 

various belligerents against Germany : some have confiscated the 
German banks, and others have only sequestered them. Consequently, 
the present action of the Chinese Government is in line with the pre- 
cedents set by the other countries. Testing our action by the 
various provisions of the Hague Conventions, the Ministry is likewise 
unable to perceive any violation thereof. Therefore, I am unable to 
admit ths validity of the objections raised in Your Excellency's 
Note. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 

m, 169. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
{Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, September 4th, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

On behalf of the Austro-Hungarian Government I have, the honor 
to inform Your Excellency that the Austro-Hungarian Government 
desires to lodge a protest in advance against any actions inconsistent 
with the principles of international law, which the Chinese Govern- 
ment may take to the detriment and injury of Austro-Hungarian 
subjects and their properties. The Chinese will be held answerable 
for all losses which may result from such actions. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 



The Netherlands Minister to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, September 5, 1917. 
Your Excellency: 

Concerning the Provisional Regulations governing the trial of 

alien enemies in civil and criminal cases, I have had the honor of 

addressing Your Excellency my Note of August 18. In Your 

Excellency's reply of August 22nd, Your Excellency claimed that the 

said Regulations do not infringe the legal rights of enemy aliens in 

China, etc., etc. I beg to say that Your Excellency's explanation of 

the intent of the said Provisional Regulations is not yet 

clear to me. Relying upon Your Excellency's declaration that no 

invasion of the right of enemy subjects was intended, I shall hope 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— *77 — 
that the Chinese Government will see to it that trials affecting enemy 
-subjects are conducted in accordance with the general principles of 
law, which the German and Austrian law officials applied to their 
respective nationals in China before the war was declared; and that 
"the said enemy subjects will have full protection and safeguards before 
the law, according to its letter as well as its spirit. If the actual 
practice shall conform with my hope above expressed, my protest 
against the said Regulations will be withdrawn as a matter of course. 
In the meantime, my protest is to stand pending the operation and 
result of the said Regulations. 

Your Excellency is of the opinion that I have not under- 
stood the real intent of the said Regulations, of which Provision 2 of 
Article I, especially, shows that the Chinese Government has no 
intention to disregard her treaties with the Powers, ete., etc. But 
Your Excellency's supplementary Note of August 22 proves the 
correctness of my construction of Provision 2 of Article I of the said 
Regulations, and supports my contention that the said Provision is 
contrary to the treaties with the Powers. Because in the said 
supplementary Note, Your Excellency requests that I should instruct 
the subjects of Holland to the effect that from now on, when they 
bring suit against the Germans or Austrians residing in China, they 
should go to the Chinese law courts. It is, however, specified in 
the treaties that when foreigners have controversy among themselves, 
the Chinese authorities need not take notice thereof. For example. . 
Article XXXVIII of the treaty of 1858 between China and France, 
contains this provision. The said Article makes no distinction 
between the parties to the controversy, whether the party be the 
subject of a treaty Power or of a non-treaty Power. According to 
this Article, when a subject of Holland has a dispute with a subject 
of Germany or Austria-Hungary, the Chinese Law Court has no 
jurisdiction over the case. Therefore, Your Excellency's request that 
I issue the said instruction to the subjects of Holland, is against the 
stipulation of the treaty. It is very much to my regret that I am 
unable to comply therewith. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts von Blokland. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 178 — 
No, 171. 

The British Charge d' Affaires at Peking to the Minister 
of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note— Copy.] 

Peking, September 6, 1917. 

Sir: 

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency s 
Note of the 22nd ultimo with reference to the trial of civil and 
criminal cases affecting enemy subjects. 

I assume that the procedure to be followed when cases against 
enemy residents are taken by British subjects to the Chinese Courts 
will be that laid down in the Wai Chiao Pu's Memorandum to the 
Dean of the Diplomatic Body of May 24, 1913. Before giving direc- 
tions to His Majesty's Consuls for the observance of the Regulations 
enclosed in the Note under reply, I shall be glad to receive Your 
Excellency's assurance on this point. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] B. Alston. 

No. 172. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 
[Letter — Translation. ] 

Peking, 8th day, 9th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[September 8, 1917.] 
Sir: 

With reference to the elate on which the German barracks at Pei- 
Tai-Ho and Tang-Ku are to be taken over by the Chinese authorities, 
as to which Your Excellency has personally inquired of me for the 
purpose of preparing instructions for effecting the transfer, etc., my 
Ministry has forwarded by telegraph Your Excellency's inquiry to the 
Military Governor and the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs of Chihli 
Province. I am now in receipt of a telegraphic reply, stating that 
the Chihli Police Department has named the 1 2th day of the 9th 
month (September 12th) at ten o'clock A.M. as the date on which the 
German barracks at Pei-Tai-Ho, and the German and Austrian 
barracks at Tang-Ku will be taken over by the Chinese authorities, 
etc., etc. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 179 — 
I have the honor of informing Your Excellency of the said date. 
Trusting that instructions for effecting the transfer above-mentioned 
will be issued accordingly, I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 

m> 173. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking te the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, September 10, 1917. 
Sir: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
letter of the 8th instant, in which it is stated that the Chihli Police 
Department has named September xz at ten o'clock A,M. as the date 
on which the German barracks at Poi-Tai-Ho, and the German and 
Austrian barracks at Tang-Ku will be taken over by the Chinese 
authorities, etc., etc. 

In reply I beg to say that I have instructed the soldiers of 
Holland now acting as guards of the said German and Austrian 
barracks to vacate their posts and deliver the said barracks to the 
charge of the Chinese police at the appointed time. 

I am, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

No, 174, 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[ Note — Translation."] 

Peking, September 10, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

With reference to the seizure of the main and branch offices as 
well as the properties of the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank in the various 
localities, I protested in my note to Your Excellency under the date 
of the 18th ultimo. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
Your Excellency's reply of the 28th ultimo which is to the following 
effect : 

"We have noticed that after the declaration of war, by the 
belligerents against Germany: some have confiscated the German 
banks, and others have only sequestered them. Consequently, the 
present action of the Chinese Government is in line with the 
precedents set by the other countries. Likewise in testing our action 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 180 — 
by the various provisions of the Hague Conventions, no violation 
thereof could be perceived" etc., etc. 

Whether or not the various countries, after the declaration of 
war against Germany, have either confiscated or sequestered the 
German banks, I am not informed in detail. I am of the opinion 
that it is not the same with all the countries. Assuming that all the 
countries have taken the same action, such action, being illegal, cannot 
be followed as legal. 

From time immemorial, both in time of peace and of war, there 
have frequently been infractions of International Law. How can these 
deplorable precedents be made principles of law and followed. Such a 
theory would seem to make the violations of International Law the 
standard, rather than International Law itself. 

Looking at the principles underlying the various Hague Con- 
ventions, they are throughout intended to secure respect for private 
property. The disposition of the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank by the 
Chinese Government is, indeed, contrary to the principle of the said 
Conventions. I cannot help continuing my protest. The Chinese 
Government will be held responsible for whatever damages and 
expenditures the said Bank may sustain and incur as a result of the 
action complained of. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

No. 175. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 
[Note — Translation] 

Peking, 12th day, 9th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[September 12, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
Note in which it is stated that the Austrian Government has request- 
ed Your Excellency to declare that the Austrian Government protests 
in advance against all acts of the Chinese Government which are 
detrimental to the person and property of the subjects of Austria- 
Hungary, and contrary to International Law ; and that if damages be 
sustained in consequence of such acts, the Chinese Government must 
assume the entire responsibility etc., etc. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— rSi- — 

In reply, I have the honor to say that all the acts of the Chinese 
Government during the present war are in accord with the principles of 
International Law. These are the principles for which and the reason 
why the Chinese Government stands in opposition to the illegal acts 
of the Central European Empires, and it will insist upon the same 
principles in the future. 

Now that a state of war exists between China and the Empire of 
Austria-Hungary, the present and future actions of the Chinese 
Government are the natural result and outcome of a legal status, 
that of war. For this reason, the Chinese Government cannot assume 
any responsibility whatsoever for the losses which the Austrian 
subjects may suffer on account of the state of war. I have the honor 
to request that Your Excellency will forward this reply to the 
Austrian Government. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



No, 176, 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to ihe Netherlands Minister at Peking. 
[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, 15th day, 9th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[September 15, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
Note of September 5 with reference to the Provisional Regulations 
governing the trial of enemy subjects in civil and criminal cases. In 
so far as I have not already explained these regulations in my note of 
the 22nd day of the 8th month [August 22nd] I beg to do so in 
detail as follows: 

The reason the Chinese Government enacted the said Regulations 
was that the treaty of 1861 between China and Germany and the 
treaty of 1869 between China and Austria-Hungary have both been 
abrogated by the declaration of war. Consequently, it is a matter of 
course that the legal status of the German and Austrian residents 
in China who have heretofore enjoyed extraterritoriality administered 
by their respective consuls in accordance with the said treaties- 
should be clearly regulated. For this reason, the said Regulations 
were made by which all civil and criminal cases affecting enemy 
subjects, are to be tried by the Chinese Law Courts. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RFLATING TO THE WAR. 

— 182 — 

In trying the said cases, besides the jurisdictional provisions 
which are specified in Provision 1 of Article II of the said Regula- 
tions, the Law Governing the Organization of the Judiciary and all 
other duly enacted laws and regulations are to be applied. Thus 
enemy subjects residing in China, like Chinese citizens themselves, 
are given the same recourse and the same due protection of the 
Chinese law in civil and criminal cases. This is what was meant by 
"giving due regard to the position of alien enemies in the 
realm of the law" as stated in my note of the 22nd day of the ?th 
month, [August 22.] 

It is next to be observed that in the treaties between China and 
the various countries, there are provisions that when foreigners have 
controversies among themselves, the Chinese officials need not take 
notice thereof, etc., etc. This is the result of the concession by the 
Chinese Government to the various countries of the exercise of extra- 
territorial consular jurisdiction. Now that the treaties between 
China and Germany and between China and Austria-Hungary have 
been terminated, the jurisdiction formerly exercised by the German 
and Austrian consuls, has automatically reverted in-toto to and has 
been reinvested in the Chinese Law Courts. There is, therefore, no 
doubt that all foreigners who formerly brought their suits against the 
Germans or Austrians residing in China before the German or 
Austrian Consuls, should now bring the same in the Chinese Law 
Courts. This is but the logical result of the changed circumstances. 

As to those cases, where in accordance with the treaties, 
German or Austrian subjects formerly brought their suits in civil 
matters against other foreigners before the consular courts of the other 
foreigners concerned, such cases shall still be tried by the other 
foreign consuls respectively concerned. Because of its regard for the 
sanctity of treaties, my Government has singled out this exception by 
means of Provision 2 of Article 1 of the said Regulations, for the 
purpose of making sure that the regulation in Provision 1 of the same 
Article, does not in any way contravene any treaty stipulation with 
the various countries. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd ] Wang Ta-hsi2h. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

-183- 

No. 177. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Note — Translation.] 

Peking, September 17, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
Note of the 20th ultimo, which states as follows : " Since my 
Government severed its diplomatic relations with Germany and its 
subsequent declaration of war against Germany and Austria-Hungary 
all German and Austrian merchant-ships have been successively 
seized," etc., etc. On examining the record, there was in fact no 
action amounting to the seizure of the German merchant-ships after 
the severance of diplomatic relations between China and Germany. If 
there had been such seizures at that time, they would have been acts in 
contravention of international law, which I need not dwell upon here. 
Furthermore, the former Foreign Minister Mr. Wu expressly declared 
that the action of the Chinese Government in reference to the German 
ships was merely for the purpose of safe-guarding the ships in order to 
prevent the ship-masters from destroying the ships themselves, and 
jeopardizing navigation, etc , etc. I have already voiced my dissent 
from the said action. Therefore, now I let the matter stand, in view 
of Your Excellency's notification that subsequent to the declaration 
of war, all the German and Austrian merchant-ships have been seized 
without exception. 

In the matter of this seizure, I have the honor to call Your 
Excellency's attention to the Hague Convention relative to the treat- 
ment of enemy merchant-ships at the outbreak of hostilities. The 
important article of the Convention in question provides as follows : 
At the outbreak of war, all merchant-ships found in an enemy port, 
should be given the opportunity to leave port freely. If the opportun- 
ity is not given, or when given it cannot be utilized, then, these ships 
■cannot be confiscated according to Article II of the same Convention. 
The belligerent government may only detain or requisition these 
ships. Detention involves the obligation of restoring the ships to 
their owners after peace is concluded, without indemnity. Requisition 
■of the ships carries with it the obligation of paying indemnity. 

But the above cited Article only applies to merchantships. 
Steam-launches used as ferry-boats at the seaports, motor-boats, and 
yachts do not come within the meaning of the said Article, for the 
reason that these latter vessels should be treated as private property 






OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 184 — 
which a belligerent is interdicted from seizing by the general practice 
of nations. It is very much to be regretted that the Chinese officials 
have several times transgressed this Article of the law of nations. 

I beg herewith to inclose to Your Excellency a list of the small 
vessels which have been seized at various places. Among them there 
are several vessels which have, been abruptly seized by the Chinese 
authorities without requesting each ship-master to make an inventory 
of the articles on board the. ship. My list as it stands may yet be 
imperfect. 

I have the honor hereby to request a repudiation of the said 
illegal seizures and to call Your Excellency's attention to (he fact 
that according to the Hague Convention, the Chinese Government is 
responsible for all losses and expenditures which the ship-owners may 
suffer in consequence of such seizures. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 



The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the British Charg* d 'Affaires 

at Peking. 
[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, 20th day, gth month, 

6th year of the Republic. 

[September 20, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
Note of September 6 with reference to the trial of enemy subjects in 
civil and criminal cases by the Chinese Law Courts. This Ministry 
has communicated with the Ministry of Justice in the matter, and 
received a reply which states as follows : The "Combined Action" to 
be taken in "Mixed Cases" as agreed upon in the Treaties between 
China and Great Britain only applies to controversies where British 
subjects and Chinese citizens are parties. Now, when British 
subjects come to the Chinese Law Courts to sue enemy subjects, to wit, 
the German and Austrian subjects, these suits are different from the 
cases where suits are brought against Chinese citizens. Therefore, the 
Provisional Procedure formerly provided for the "Mixed Cases," can- 
not be followed in the cases under discussion," etc., etc. 

Referring to this Ministry's Memorandum to the Dean of the 
Diplomatic Body of the 24th day of the 5th month of the 2nd year of 
the Republic [ May 24 1913], what were styled as "Mixed Cases" in 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

- 185 - 
Article 1 of the "Provisional Procedure for Chinese and Foreign Mixed 
Cases" embraced legal controversies between British and Chinese only. 
I am of the opinion that the construction given by the Ministry of 
Justice is correct. I have the honor of notifying Your Excellency of 
the same and requesting that Your Excellency will issue instructions 
in compliance with my note of the 22nd day of the 3th month 

[August 22]. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 

®0. 179. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 
[Letter — Translation.'] 

Peking, 20th day, 9th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[September 20, 1917.]' 
Sir: 

With reference to the question which Your Excellency has dis- 
cussed with me, whether enemy subjects, on being tried in civil or 
criminal cases by the Chinese Law Courts, may employ the services of 
foreign counsel (other than Chinese), my Ministry has communicated 
with the Ministry of Justice. In reply to my inquiry, the Ministry of 
Justice writes as follows : 

"In Article II of the present Chinese Regulations Governing 
Lawyers, there is a regulation to the effect that no person except 
citizens of the Chinese Republic may discharge the functions of an 
attorney-at-law. If the case is tried in a special law court where 
foreign counsels have been customarily allowed to practice by special 
permission, there is no reason why foreign counsel should not be 
permitted to appear in the said court to perform their duties. If the 
said foreign counsels should be enemy subjects, the same permission 
may also be granted them in consideration of Section V of the 
Regulations Governing the Disposition of Enemy Subjects, made by 
the Ministry of the Interior. The said Section permits enemy subjects 
to carry on their peaceful and legitimate occupations. However, it 
should be first specified, that whenever cases affecting enemy subjects 
are tried in the regular Chinese Law Courts, appearance should be 
made therein by Chinese lawyers," etc., etc. 

I have the honor to communicate the above to Your Excellency, 

etc., 

[sd.] Wan ; Ta-hsieh. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 186 — 

No. 180. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
\_Leiler — Translation.'] 

Peking, September 24, 1917. 
Sir: 

In acknowledging the receipt of Your Excellency's letter of 
September 20 with reference to the question, which I have discussed 
with Your Excellency, whether enemy subjects, on being tried by the 
Chinese Law Courts in civil or criminal cases, may employ the 
services of foreign counsel (other than Chinese), I beg to express to 
Your Excellency my thanks and satisfaction. If the reply, etc., of 
the Ministry of Justice has not yet been forwarded to the Special Com- 
missioner of Foreign Affairs at Shanghai, I have the honor to request 
that Your Excellency will do so at Your Excellency's earliest con- 
venience. Then there will be no doubt that German and Austrian 
subjects may appear in Court to discharge their duties as lawyers, 
in compliance with Section V. of the rules made by the Ministry of 
the Interior for the regulation of enemy subjects. 
I have, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

No. 181. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 
\_Note — Translation.] 

Peking, 25th "day, 9th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[September 25th, 1917.] 
Your Excellency : 

With reference to the sequestration of the Deutsch-Asiatische 
Bank, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Ex- 
cellency's Note of the 10th instant which stales: 

"The principles nnderlying the various Hague Conventions are 
throughout intended to secure respect for private property. The 
disposition of the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank is, indeed, contrary 
to the principle of the said Conventions," etc., etc. 

This Ministry is still of the opinion that the banking business 
has intimate relation with the market and exchange. Now that my 
country occupies the position of a belligerent vis-a-vis the countries 
of Germany and Austria-Hungary, therefore, it is necessary to sus- 
pend the business of all enemy banks, and to have them taken into 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 187 — 
the custody of officials authorized by the Government. In my 
previous reply, I have already set forth clearly these reasons. 

There is an additional reason in the fact that the Deutsch- 
Asiatische Bank has been implicated in certain secret plots. The 
widespread complaints and public discussions concerning these con- 
spiracies are not without cause. 

Moreover, there' was nothing in the procedure followed by the 
Chinese Government in carrying out the said action, which may be 
construed as in violation of the Hague Conventions. Therefore, my 
Government is still unable to yield to the objections and protests 
contained in Your Excellency's respective Notes. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 

No. 182. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

[Note — Translation . ] 

Peking, October 3, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to call Your Excellency's attention to the fact 
that ever since the severance of diplomatic relations and the declara- 
tion of war "between China and Germany, the Chinese Government has 
not handed any funds to the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank, which should 
be disbursed to the bondholders as interest accrued from the follow- 
ing loans, to wit, the Imperial Chinese Government 5%" Sterling 
Loan of 1896 made by the Anglo-German Syndicate, the Imperial 
Chinese Government ^\% Gold Loan of 1898 made by the An glo- 
German Banks, the Original and Supplementary Imperial Chinese 
Government *>% Tientsin-Pukow Railway Loans, and the Chinese 
Government 5% Reorganization Loan of 1913. 

It is my duty to protest against this non-performance on the 
part of the Chinese Government of its financial obligations. As your 
Excellency knows the money ought to be at Berlin at stipulated 
times in order to assure the payment of the coupons falling due and 
to preserve unimpaired the credit of the Republic of China. The 
Chinese Government will not be able to disclaim responsibility for the 
damages growing out of non-payment sustained by the bond- 
holders. 

I avail, etc. 
[sd.] Beelaerts'van Blokland. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 188 — 
No. 183. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, October 6, 1917. 
Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
Note of the 15th ultimo with reference to my various objections to 
the Provisional Regulations governing the trial of enemy subjects in 
civil and criminal cases. I am very thankful to Your Excellency for 
the full explanation which Your Excellency has again made in regard 
to the intent of the said Regulations. However, I regret to say that 
it is difficult for me to withdraw my objections. 

The general objections set forth in my previous Note against the 
trial by the Chinese Law Courts of all civil and criminal cases affect- 
ing enemy subjects, were made on account of my great fear 
that enemy subjects may not obtain, as formerly under the consular 
jurisdiction, the uniform and just protection of the law. Now I hope 
that in the actual administration of the regulations my doubt and 
fear will be dispelled. 

Here is a case in the matter of one Siegel who is a German subject. 
Siegel has been confined over two months without either legal ex- 
amination or adjudication, but merely upon the order of the Ministry 
of War. This shows that my fear that due protection may be 
wanting, was not groundless imagination. It may be presumed that 
Your Excellency will find it difficult to disagree with me. 

As to the jurisdiction over cases where the controversies are 
between enemy subjects and other foreigners, Your Excellency's Note 
contains a renewal of the declaration that in the Provision of the said 
Regulations in question, there is no purpose of violating the various 
treaties. I do not doubt that Your Excellency's declaration is frank 
and sincere. However I regret my inability to add that these explan- 
ations allow me lo withdraw my objections. 

In the treaties, it. is clearly specified that when a subject of a 
country with which China has treaty relations and a subject of any 
other foreign country, have a controversy among themselves,- the 
Chinese officials need not take notice thereof. Whereas it is now 
directed by the said Regulations that such a controversy shall be 
brought to the designated officials. This is inconsistent with the treaty 
stipulation. For example, if Dutch and Austrian subjects have a 
dispute among themselves, applying the said treaty stipulation the 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 189 — 
Chinese officials are not allowed to interfere. In spite of the fact 
that the treaties between China and Austria- Hungary have been 
abrogated, the said treaty stipulation is not affected in the least. 
Therefore, any regulation on the part of the Chinese Government in 
the matter of jurisdiction over a controversy between the subject of a 
treaty country and the subject of an enemy country no matter 
whether the plaintiff or the defendant belongs to one or the other, 
amounts to a violation of the treaty. I can but hold the opinion 
which I have already expressed. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd ] Beelaerts van Blokland. 

No. 184. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of Foreign A fairs. 
[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, October 9, 1917. 
Your Excellency: 

On the 18th ultimo, the Municipal Council of Shanghai issued a 
notice to the effect that beginning with the 6th instant, German and 
Austrian subjects may not enter, or reside in the International Con- 
cession without special permission, and must report their names 
and addresses and submit their photographs at the office of the 
Municipal Council for registration, etc., etc. 

The above mentioned notice of the Municipal Council is ultra 
vires for the reason that the Shanghai International Settlement is not 
an independent country; it still remains a part of the Chinese Republic. 
According to the Land Regulations binding upon the Municipal 
Council, the Municipal Council has no authority over the residents in 
the Settlement. The power of making regulations governing the 
disposal of enemy subjects belongs solely to the Chinese Government. 
Unless by request or delegation of the Chinese Government, it is 
incompetent for the Municipal Council to issue the said notice. 

Since the said notice has been issued neither by request 
nor by delegation, therefore, I have instructed the Netherlands 
Consul-General at Shanghai to lodge a protest with the Senior Consul- 
General, and I have the honor to call Your Excellency's attention to 
this illegal act of the International Settlement authorities, in order 
that Your Excellency may provide means to deal with it. 

I avail, etc. 

[si.] Beelaerts van Blokland 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 190 — 
No. 185. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 

[Note— Translation] 

Peking, 24th day, 10th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[Octob?r 24, 1917.] 
Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
Note of the 3rd instant, stating that ever since the severance of 
diplomatic relations and the declaration of war between China and 
Germany, the Chinese Government has not paid to the Deutsch- 
Asiatische Bank the interest accrued from various loans, against 
which protest must be entered, etc. etc. 

In reply I beg to say that since the declaration of war between 
China and Germany, all former agreements and treaties which China 
has entered into with the enemy country, have become of no effect. 
As a matter of course, my Government should stop the payment of 
all the interest accrued from the various loans, which falls due to the 
enemy banks. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 

No. 186. 

The British Minister at Peking to the Minister 0/ Foreign Affairs. 
[Note— Copy.] 

Peking, October 25, 1917. 
Sir: 

With reference to the question of the chartering of the enemy 
ships now detained in Chinese ports, I have the honour — acting on 
behalf of the Allied Ministers — to. invite the Chinese Government to 
agree to the following procedure: 

1. The steamships "China," "Silesia," "Bohemia," "Albenga," 
•Deike Rickmers," "Helene," "Kathe," "Sexla," and "Triumph" to 
be chartered to His Majesty's Government, which will allocate the 
vessels for Allied purposes by agreement between the Governments 
concerned. 

2. The charter rates to be equivalent to those agreed upon 
by the Inter-Allied Chartering Executive, namely, 



58/- 


per m< 


53/- 


do. 


4 8/- 


do. 


45/6 


do. 


43/'- 


do. 


4^/9 


do. 


4 o/6 


do. 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 191 — - . 

for vessels up to 500 tons deadweight, 

do. 1000 do. 

do. 1800 do. 

do. 2500 do. 

do. 4000 do. 

do. 5000 do. 

do. beyond 5000 do. 

These rates are based on the assumption that insurance against 
war risks is paid by charterers. 

3. No restriction to be placed on the uses to which the vessels 
can be put. 

4. All matters not included in the above statement of principles 
and the details of the charter parties to be arranged by mutual agree- 
ment between His Majesty's Consul General and the representative of 
the Ta Ta Company at Shanghai. 

Trusting to receive the favour of am early reply, I avail myself of 
this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurance of my 
highest consideration. 

[sd.] J. N. Jordan. 



fio. 187. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the British Minister at Peking. 
[Note — Translation.'] 

Peking, 26th day, 10th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[October 26, 19 17.] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Ex- 
cellency's Note of the 25th instant with reference to the matter of the 
chartering of the enemy ships. For the purpose of rendering the 
utmost assistance to the Allied countries in the prosecution of the 
war, my Government consents to the general procedure as stated in 
Your Excellency's said Note, as follows: 

1. The steamships "China," "Silesia," '-Bohemia," "Albenga," 
"Deike Rickmers," "Helene," "Kathe," "Sexta," and "Triumph" to 
be chartered to the British Government, which will allocate the vessels 
for Allied purposes by agreement between the Governments concerned. 

2. The charter rates to be equivalent to those agreed upon 
by the Inter-Allied Chartering Executive, namely, 



Iweigh 


t, 58/: 


per month 


do. 


53/- 


do. 


do. 


48/- 


do. 


do. 


45J6 


do. 


do. 


43/- 


do. 


do. 


4i/9 


do. 


do. 


40/6 


do. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 192 — 
for vessels up to 500 tons deadweight, 

do. 1000 

do. 1800 

do. 2500 

do, 4000 

do. 5000 

do. beyond 5000 
These rates are based on the assumption that insurance against 
war risks is paid by charterers. 

3. No restriction to be placed on the uses to which the vessels 
can be put. 

4. All matters not included in the above statement of principles 
and the details of the charter parties to be arranged by mutual agree- 
ment between the British Consul General and the representative of 
the Ta Ta Company at Shanghai. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Wang Ta-hsieh. 

No. 188. 

Thi Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands Minister at Peking. 

[Note — Translation . ] 

Peking, 27th day, 10th month, 
6th year of the Republic. 
[October 27, J 917.] 
Your Excellency : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's 
Note of October 6, with reference to the Provisional Regulations 
governing the trial of enemy subjects in civil and criminal cases. 

In regard to the case of the German subject Siegel, this Ministry 
has already communicated to Your Excellency on the 17th day of the 
10th month [October 17th] the reply which I have received from the 
Ministry of War. 

Referring to the conversation of the 5th day of the 9th month 
[September 5th] during which Your Excellency stated that just pro- 
tection should be provided by the Chinese Law Courts in the trbls of 
enemy subjects in civil and criminal cases, my Ministry has already 
communicated with the Ministry of Justice, suggesting that all the 
Law Courts be instructed accordingly. There can be no doubt that 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

.— 193 — 
due protection will be accorded. Therefore, I have the honor to 
suggest that Your Excellency need not entertain undue concern over 
this matter. 

Again, I beg to state that Provision 2 of Article I of the Provisional 
Regulations governing the trial of enemy subjects in civil and 
criminal cases, was especially inserted for the purpose of showing that 
there is no intention of violating the treaties in the said Regulations. 
I have repeatedly made this statement to Your Excellency. It is to 
my great regret that only because Your Excellency's view point is 
different, Your Excellency considers the said Provision as a violation 
of the treaty. I have the honor to request that Your Excellency 
will refer to my respective Notes to Your Excellency on this matter 
and issue instructions in compliance therewith. 

I avail, etc, 

[sd,] Wang Ta-hsieh. 



No, 189. 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 

J[ Note — Translation.] 

Peking, November 2, 1917. 
Your Excellency : 

With reference to the matter that the Chinese Government has 
not paid to the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank the interest accrued from 
the various loans, I have availed of a previous occasion to have 
registered my protest. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt 
of Your Excellency's reply of the 24th ultimo, in which it is stated as 
follows : 

" Since the declaration of war between China and Germany, all 
lormer agreements and treaties which China has entered into with the 
enemy country, have become of no effect. As a matter of course, my 
Government should cense the payment of all the interest accrued from 
the various loans, which falls due to the enemy banks," etc., etc. 

Upon perusing the above, I was greatly surprised. I could not 
understand in what way the treaties with a foreign government and 
the agreements for securing loans from the banks of the same foreign 
country, have any connection with eacli oilier. 

Though the Chinese Government in its declaration of war 
has declared that all its former treaties and conventions with German,, 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 



— 194 — . 

and Austria-Hungary are abrogated, yet China is not in a state of war 
with the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank which is a private enterprise. 
Consequently, although war has been declared, the agreements made 
with the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank do not lose their validity in the least 
degree. Your Excellency will please refer to the Annex to the Hague 
Convention, Regulations Respecting the Laws and Customs of War on 
Land, Article 23, whereby it is especially prohibited to declare extinct, 
suspended or unenforceable by law, the rights and actions of the 
nationals of the adverse party. 

Now that the Chinese Government does not pay the interest which 
falls due under the various loan agreements, such action will cause 
damage to all the bondholders, whatever their nationalities. Not 
only China's credit in foreign countries will of course be materially 
effected, but also it is difficult to construe the said action as conform- 
ing to the Law of Nations. Therefore, I must formally protest and 
hold the Chinese Government responsible for all the losses and expenses 
which may be sustained by the parties affected in consequence of the 
action herein complained of. 

I avail, etc. 

• [sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 



No. 190. 

The Netherlands Min isier at Peking to the Minister oj Foreign Affairs. 
[Note — Translation.] 

Peking, November 6, 1917. 
Your Excellency: 

I have the honor to inform Your" Excellency that it has-been 
brought to my knowledge that a Bureau for the liquidation of the 
Deutsch-Asiatische Bank has been established in Peking, and also that 
the said Bureau has drafted a series of plans for the approval of the 
Ministry of Finance. This has been reported in the various news- 
papers during the past few days. 

I have repeatedly written to Your Excellency with reference to 
the action of the Chinese Government toward the Deutsch-Asiatische 
Bank. Your Excellency will please recall that in my last note on the 
subject under the date of September 10 as well as in the previous 
note, I have gone into great details with regard to the various con 
siderations involved which I do not need to recapitulate here. How- 



THE TREATMENT OF ENEMY PERSONS AND PROPERTY. 

— 195 — 
ever , I am again constrained solemnly to characterize the action 

above referred to as absolutely illegal. K ' n \AMa 

If the Chinese Government has actually commenced to hquida e 
this private business, it has incurred a very grave risk, not only 
because it is a serious violation of International Law, but also 
I have just received a telegram from the German Government 
stating that it will hold the Chinese Government strictly respons.b 
for ail the losses which the Deutsch-Asiatrsche Bank and other 
businesses of German subjects in China may suffer on account of 

action taken by the Chinese Government. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd . ] Beelaerts van Blokland . 



No. 191, 

The Netherlands Minister at Peking to the Minister of 

Foreign Affairs. 

\N ote— Translation. \ 

Peking, November 26, 1917. 

Your Excellency " 

With reference to the liquidation of theDeutsch-Asiatische Bank 
I had the honor of communicating to Your Excellency on the 6th 
instant. Now certain newspapers, the " Tientsin and Pek.ng Times 
being one of them, have published advertisements to the effect that 
the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs have ordered the 
liquidation of the agencies of the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank m China 
etc I beg to enclose herein a newspaper clipping containing the said 
advertisement, and request that Your Excellency will give attention 

to the same. . 

I recall that upon tin declaration of war, China gave special and 
reiterated assurances tint she would conform to the rules of Inter- 
national Law. The present action in liquidating the said banks is a 
plain violation of the Law, against which I must solemnly protest. 

Moreover, since the beginning of the war, the conduct of the 
German Government has always been guided by the regulations of the 
Hague Conventions with respect to the protection of private property 
of enemy subjects during war on land. This has been true not only 
with respect to the occupied territories, but also within the borders of 
Germany. To this, the Chinese Government has not given the least 
consideration. 



OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WAR. 

— 196 — 
When the enemy Governments announced one after another an 
economic war against Germany, the German Government was obliged 
to retaliate m kind. For instance, when the enemy takes certain 
action Wlt h.n his sphere of operation against private enemy property 
if the emergency should require, Germany would resort to the same 
kind of action by way of reprisal. No enemy property of private 
ownership in Germany, except in the case of reprisals, is subject to 
any arbitrary disposition. 

I am in receipt of a communication from the German Government 
which is to the following effect : 

"Chinese private property in Germany has not been interfered with 
Howeve .according to the first reports concerning the action of the 
Chrnese Government toward the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank, it seems 
that the Chinese Government is inclined to make certain dispositions 
of German private property in China. If this is true, China would 
be violating International Law, wherefore, Germany would solemnly 
protest and declare that she will hold the Chinese Government 
respons.ble for all the losses which the ' parties concerned may 
sustain. The German Government reserves the right to determine 
»pon appropnate action by way of retaliation in the future," etc., etc 

I earnestly trust that after further consideration, China, having 
unfortunately entered upon a wrong path, may at once reverse its 
position in order to resume the right course. 

At the time when the Chinese Government severed its diplomatic 
relations with Germany, it took upon itself the duty of upholding the 
Law of Nations. It should therefore be clear, that to whichever side 
victory in the war may fall, it is required by China's future vital 
interests that she should adhere to her former declaration strictly to 
observe all the regulations of the Hague Conventions. This is the 
sincere hope which I entertain, and I have the honor to request that 
I may have Your Excellency's, reply at an early date. 

I avail, etc. 

[sd.] Beelaerts van Blokland. 






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